Can a Wet Bathing Suit Cause a Yeast Infection?

Going for a swim and then lounging in your bathing suit sounds like the perfect summer day until something really annoying happens: a yeast infection.

“Yeast thrives in moist, dark, warm environments. Wearing a wet bathing suit for prolonged periods can allow the groin area to become a breeding ground for the yeast to then become an infection,” Chantel Strachan, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, told Verywell in an email.

People who have diabetes, are pregnant, take antibiotics, or use hormonal birth control have a higher risk of developing a yeast infection.

Wearing a wet bathing suit alone doesn’t necessarily cause a yeast infection, but it can increase the chances, especially for people already at a higher risk, according to Megan E. Bernstein, MD, an OB-GYN and a health sciences clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA Health.

“Some people can sit all day and they won’t have an issue, but for some other people, a couple of hours is enough to make it recur if they’re prone to these yeast infections already,” Bernstein told Verywell.

Unless you’re going right back in the water, try to change out of your wet bathing suit as soon as you can to prevent a yeast infection, she said.

This common fungal infection can cause burning and itching of the vagina, painful urination, and a thick, white discharge. Estimates suggest that 75% of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their life, and almost half will have additional infections.

Wet Bathing Suits Can Create a Breeding Ground for Bacteria

Wearing a damp bathing suit for too long may allow bacteria to thrive and cause a urinary tract infection (UTI), a painful infection caused by germs that travel to and multiply in the urinary tract.

“Wearing a wet bathing suit alone won’t put you at increased risk of a urinary tract infection. If you’re not going to the bathroom frequently, and holding your urine, and you’re prone to UTIs, you may be at risk,” Bernstein said.

Still, changing into loose, dry clothing quickly after swimming can reduce the risk of getting a UTI. Avoiding clothes that trap heat and moisture may also reduce the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis (BV), an infection caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria that leads to vaginal pain and irritation.

“In the same way that yeast is allowed to overgrow and cause symptoms, there are other bacteria that, in small quantities, don’t cause any issues, but when allowed to overgrow can cause irritation and pain in the vulvar or vaginal area,” Olivia Manayan, MD, MPH, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist and complex family planning fellow at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, told Verywell in an email.

Overgrown bacteria can cause BV and, if they travel up the urethra, may also cause a UTI. Anyone with a history of recurrent BV, yeast infections, or UTIs should consult a doctor before a beach vacation to discuss preventative medications, Manayan added.

Managing an Active Infection on Vacation

Having a yeast infection or BV doesn’t have to ruin your summer vacation. While vaginal infections are not contagious, they can cause significant discomfort. If you have an active infection, keep your pubic area dry and clean as much as possible.

“There is no need to stop your vacation plans because a yeast infection is present,” Strachan said. “However, the skin can become very itchy and irritated from a yeast infection. So, to limit irritation and itching, you should reduce time in the water. Chemicals or other contaminants in the pool may trigger worsening inflammation.”

Over-the-counter treatments for mild yeast infections include creams, suppositories, and tablets.

“If there is a mild infection, you may be able to continue with all usual activities. Seek medical care for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, as available,” Strachan said.