There’s no such thing as a ‘summer vagina’ – these hygiene rules apply all year round, doc says

IF you've been reading up on how to look after your vagina in the heat you can stop now.

There's no such thing as a summer vagina and you don't need to do anything extra to look after it in the warmer months.

In fact, it functions just fine no matter the weather.

Teen Vogue has bee criticised this week for an article explaining to young readers how to get "summer vagina ready".

The article, called , talked through various ways warm weather can affect you down there.

"While you might think there’s little difference in the TLC she gets every other season, ob-gyns note that summer is especially important to pay attention to any symptoms, changes, and funkiness you notice south of the border," the article read.

"Whether from swimming in the pool or getting sweaty from a walk on a sunny day, moisture and bacteria-covered skin can lead to an unwelcome summer challenge.

"Acne can develop from trapped bacteria and moist skin rubbing can lead to redness and irritation."

The article also suggests that wet bathing suits can change the pH of your lady garden and recommends using vaginal wipes to keep it clean.

It also explains the heat can cause your vagina to be drier than normal, making it more sensitive and "temperamental".

So much so that your bits might have a "vaginal panic attack".

Is this something we really need to be worrying about? The answer is simple: No.

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Dr Jen Gunter, a Canada-based gynaecologist, said vaginal neglect in the summer is not a thing.

"Vaginas function quite well in all seasons. Really. I run a clinic for vulvovaginal disorders and we are no busier when it is hot," she wrote on her

"The only possible issue that women might have during the summer months is with their vulva if they start a new hair removal technique or do more hair removal. T

"This can lead to ingrown hairs, injuries, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)."

Dr Gunter debunked that vaginas can dry out in the heat, adding that vaginal dryness is a medical condition caused by low oestrogen levels, some medications and even thrush.

So if south of the border is hit by a drought you need to see a GP.

"The vagina maintains a steady temperature because it is inside your body and human body temperature only rises with the outside temperature when someone is suffering from heat stroke,"Dr Gunter said.

"The vagina maintains moisture because it is constantly producing discharge."

On the topic of moisture, your favourite bikini is not going to turn on you.

If you notice any irritation down there is it likely because you are wearing tight, wet clothes, not a change in your pH balance.

Your lady garden also doesn't need to be cleaned with vagina wipes, but Dr Gunter warned that is terrible advice.

"Do not clean the inside of your vagina with a wipe. This is quite literally one of the worst things you can do," she wrote.

"Wipes are definitely a source of vulva contact dermatitis and are completely unnecessary."

Wipes can upset your natural bacteria down there, which is needed to keep your vagina healthy and help fight off infection.

In fact, your vagina doesn't really need cleaning at all.

Discharge is your vagina's way of keeping itself clean, it's not something you need to worry about.

You should avoid using perfumed soaps and other products down there too.

The only thing you need to clean your bits is warm water and a mild soap - but you should never put the soap in the vagina, just use around the vulva.

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