Summer and AV: Why Heat Can Make Intimate Discomfort Feel Worse, and What Helps

Summer can change how AV feels

Atrophic vaginitis (AV) is linked to reduced oestrogen and the resulting thinning and dryness of the vaginal lining and vulval skin. Jean Hailes
For many women, symptoms are not constant. They fluctuate, and Australian summer can be a common trigger.

Heat, sweat and friction do not cause AV, but they can make dryness and irritation feel more noticeable. If you have been coping reasonably well through cooler months, summer can be the season where things feel suddenly more reactive.

Why heat and humidity can irritate delicate skin

In hot weather, the vulval area is more likely to experience:

• Moisture from sweat
• Increased friction from movement, underwear, and tighter clothing
• More frequent washing or wiping
• Exposure to pools, salt water, and damp bathers

Even without infection, these factors can leave sensitive tissue feeling stingy, dry, or easily irritated. With AV, the tissue barrier may already feel less resilient, so small changes in routine can have a bigger impact.

The comfort goal: less friction, gentler contact, steadier hydration

If summer tends to flare your symptoms, the aim is not perfection. It is reducing the repeat triggers that chip away at comfort.

1) Re-think what you wear on hot days

• Choose breathable fabrics and avoid prolonged dampness
• Change out of sweaty activewear quickly
• If you swim, change out of wet bathers sooner rather than later

The principle is simple: keep the area cool, dry, and low-friction.

2) Simplify cleansing

Over-cleansing can worsen dryness. In summer it is easy to wash more often, but harsh products and repeated scrubbing can be a problem for delicate tissue.

Keep it boring:

• Gentle, minimal cleansing
• Avoid fragranced products around sensitive skin
• Pat dry rather than rub

3) Use moisturising support consistently

Non-hormonal options can be useful for symptom relief in vulvovaginal atrophy, including hyaluronic acid preparations, which have been reported to improve dryness and related discomfort in reviews of clinical studies. Agency for Clinical Innovation
Consistency matters more than doing everything at once. A steady routine often feels better than reacting only when symptoms spike.

If you use any product that is oil based, remember it can interfere with latex condoms. If contraception or STI protection is relevant, speak with your clinician about safe options.

4) Plan for travel and long days out

Long car trips, flights, festivals, and summer events mean prolonged sitting, heat, and limited ability to freshen up.

A practical approach:

• Build in a simple comfort routine morning and night
• Pack breathable underwear and a spare pair if you are out all day
• Avoid trying new products for the first time while travelling

When to pause and check in with a clinician

AV can overlap with other conditions, and persistent symptoms deserve review, especially if you notice:

• New bleeding
• Worsening pain
• Symptoms that do not settle with gentle care
• Changes that feel abrupt or unusual for you

If you have a history of cancer treatment, your clinician can help guide what is appropriate for your situation.

A simple summer routine that feels realistic

If you want a low-effort structure, try this:

Morning

• Gentle cleanse or rinse as needed
• Apply supportive moisturising care if that is part of your plan
• Choose breathable underwear and avoid tight seams if you are sensitive

After swimming or sweating

• Change out of damp clothing
• Rinse if needed and pat dry
• Keep friction low for the rest of the day

Night

• Calm, consistent moisturising support
• Keep sleepwear breathable and light

The intention is to reduce cumulative irritation. Summer discomfort is often the result of repeated small triggers rather than one big event.

A closing thought

Summer can make AV feel louder, but that does not mean you are going backwards. Heat, friction, and routine changes can amplify sensitivity, and small adjustments often help more than people expect.

Gentle consistency, low-friction choices, and a calm approach can bring comfort back into range, one day at a time.