What is Winter Vagina?

If you thought you could ignore your bikini region during the no-shaving winter months, you might be surprised to hear about a phenomenon called "winter vagina." This isn't a new body hair removal trend. It's a label some people apply to the feeling of dryness or chafing in the genital area during cold weather.

Learn more about how the seasons affect your vagina and what you can do to care for it all year long.

Is Winter Vagina Real?

The idea of winter vagina dates back to a 2018 article in the UK news outlet The Sun. A British midwife warned readers that dry air in winter can have a dehydrating effect on the skin, including the delicate skin of the genital area. The article suggested that winter vagina could be a cause for vaginal dryness and lack of natural lubrication [1].

If you search the term "winter vagina," you won't find any scientific studies on the phenomenon. Research on vaginal health tends to focus more on issues like bacterial infections, issues related to fertility and childbirth, and vaginal changes during menopause. Seasonal changes to vaginal health aren't a subject of scientific discussion because, as gynecologist and writer Jen Gunter told Refinery 29 in 2020, "Vaginas function quite well in all seasons [2]."

Vaginal Health

When discussing vaginal health and genital care, it's important to differentiate between the inner and outer portions of female genitalia. The vagina is the internal portion of the opening to the uterus. It is a muscular passage lined with mucous membranes.

The outer area of the genitals is called the vulva and includes mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. The outermost portions of the vulva are easily visible, and the skin is more like the skin on the rest of your body [3].

In general, the vagina itself doesn't require a lot of special care, regardless of the season. In an article on the OHSU Center for Women's Health website, Dr. Jessica Reid, OB/GYN, noted, "Unless you have symptoms of infection or other problems, you don't need to do anything besides basic hygiene." Weather and seasonal changes don't affect the skin or mucus membranes inside the vagina [4].

The vulva may be more susceptible to external effects. For example, damp bathing suits or sweaty workout clothes can cause skin chafing or lead to yeast infections. The skin around the vulva could develop dry skin and winter itch, particularly if you wash using hot water or drying body washes.