How to Stave Off Summer UTIs and Yeast Infections

If it seems like yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) are always coming around during the summer months and ruining your beach weekend, you’re not imagining it: These infections are more likely in the summer.

While yeast infections and UTIs can happen at any time of year, they get a little extra help in the summer thanks to the added humidity and moisture. Fungus and bacteria thrive in a humid environment, so moisture buildup “down there” can invite the overgrowth of fungus or bacteria to cause yeast infections or UTis, respectively.

Sure, you can’t help yourself from getting sweaty down there on a July hike, but there are still ways you can lower your risk of yeast infections and UTIs this summer. Here are tips to avoid a summer burn (and we’re not talking about sunburns):

1. Clean up and dry off after sweating

Whether it’s sweat from exercise or just from being outside on a hot day, try to wash up afterwards with mild soap and water, and put on fresh underwear. The longer you hang around with sweaty underwear, the more chances you give fungus and bacteria to accumulate.

2. Wear breathable underwear

Undies made of cotton are the most airy, whereas synthetic materials can trap in humidity and moisture and increase the risk for infections. (Here are more underwear mistakes that can affect your health.)

3. Change out of damp swimsuits ASAP

You know how it goes: After splashing in the water, you then spend a few hours chatting with friends by the snack table. All that moisture opens up the door to those unwanted infections, so if you’re done swimming, change into dry clothes.

4. Change your underwear every day

… But you know that, right?

The moral of the story? Keep your nethers clean and dry; otherwise, an infection could be just one pool day (or beach day) away.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts