Every summer the same scene returns: semi-naked bodies on beaches, social media full of impossibly perfect figures, and a silent pressure that falls, once again, on the female body. But amidst the heat, sunscreen, and apparent carefreeness, there are topics that almost nobody talks about: gynecological self-care, intimate health, real body acceptance, and the emotional impact of summer on sex life.

As a gynecologist, I see it constantly in consultations: many women arrive worried about their image, but completely uninformed about their intimate health. It is assumed that “if there are no symptoms, everything is fine.” However, clinical reality shows the opposite: the absence of discomfort is not synonymous with health.

In summer, the risks of vaginal infections, pH imbalances, irritation from moisture, hair removal, wet swimsuits, and the use of harsh products increase. Gynecology is not seasonal, but heat, sweat, and friction make this season a challenge for the vaginal microbiota.

Few talk about what happens “under the bikini,” but in consultations we see a notable increase every summer in:

• Vaginitis and candidiasis from constant moisture.
• Vulvar irritation from tight clothing or aggressive hair removal.
• Discharge alterations related to hormonal changes, heat stress, or sexual practices without care.
• Abandono de controles ginecológicos por la falsa idea de “esperar a septiembre”.

Clinical advice: do not wait for symptoms. An annual gynecological check-up, especially before or after summer, can prevent complications and detect silent alterations.

These are practices that, as a gynecologist, I recommend and that have scientific backing:

• Respectful intimate hygiene: use products with physiological pH (4.5–5.5), without perfumes or irritants. Avoid vaginal douches.
• Drying and frequent bikini changes: do not stay in a wet swimsuit. Changing it reduces the probability of infections.
• Cotton and loose underwear: synthetic materials hinder breathing and promote bacterial proliferation.
• Sexuality without guilt or comparison: your body is valid, desirable, and worthy of pleasure, regardless of whether it has cellulite, stretch marks, or scars. Sexuality is not a beauty contest.
• Preventive gynecological check-up: verify that everything is fine before starting the summer. A simple test can prevent annoying or dangerous complications.

Summer is not just a postcard of tanned bodies. It is also a moment of reconnection, of personal review, of enjoying pleasure without judgment, and of remembering that care starts with yourself.

As a doctor, I invite you to go beyond the mirror: check your intimate health, listen to yourself emotionally, and remember that the truly perfect body is the one you care for, respect, and enjoy.

Practical summer self-care, beyond sunscreen

Intimate health also goes on holidays, and summer has its own rules. Some practical points we share in consultation:

• Swimwear hygiene: change out of wet swimwear as soon as possible; prolonged humidity favours irritations and infections.
• Hydration, inside and out: vulvovaginal mucosa suffers with heat and dehydration. Water is part of intimate care.
• Careful with aggressive products: perfumed soaps and intimate douching are usually unnecessary and harmful. Gentle washing with water is enough.
• Contraception doesn’t take holidays: heat, travel and routine changes should not lead to forgetting your method. Plan ahead.

When body anxiety affects your sex life

Comparing your body with summer ideals can quietly switch off desire and closeness. If every summer you feel you must “earn” the right to enjoy your body, or intimacy has become a source of anxiety rather than pleasure, it deserves attention — not judgment. Body acceptance work and sexology support can transform this experience.

Talk to someone who listens

At SanySa del Levante our gynaecology and psychology teams work together precisely for this: real intimate health, emotional support and zero judgments. Because a good summer is felt inside — not just seen in the mirror. Book your appointment.