Swimming Pools and Your Gynecological Health: Separating Fact from Fiction
June 15, 2026
As the weather heats up, New Yorkers start looking for reprieve. Going for a swim can turn a sweltering day into an enjoyable one. But if you don’t take the proper precautions afterward, that temporary break from the heat could turn into a headache.
The good news is that swimming pools are generally safe for your gynecological health. What happens after you get out of the pool makes the difference in preventing issues.
Our all-female team wants to help you avoid problems like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) . With that in mind, we built this guide. And if problems do crop up post-swim, you can visit us at any of our Elite Gynecology offices in Manhattan, Forest Hills, or Rego Park, New York.
Where swimming poses a risk
Swimming pools get treated with chemicals like chlorine, which kill most germs within minutes. As long as you know the pool is properly maintained, it’s usually safe to swim, even when you’re on your period . Some germs, such as Cryptosporidium, can survive in chlorinated water for days, though, so try not to swallow pool water.
There are some instances when swimming can increase your risk for gynecological issues, though. It all comes down to what you do after you get out of the pool.
Bacterial vaginosis
You won’t get the bacteria that cause BV from a swimming pool, and there’s little evidence that chlorinated pool water itself causes BV. The bigger risks are douching, new or multiple sex partners, and anything else that upsets the natural bacterial balance in your vagina.
To stay comfortable, rinse off after the pool, gently rinsing the outside of your genital area (the vulva) with plain water. Don’t douche or rinse inside your vagina, which can actually raise your risk of BV.
Yeast infections
Again, you won’t get a yeast infection from swimming pool water. But if you hang out in a wet swimsuit afterward, you create a perfect environment for fungus to thrive: damp and dark. Changing into dry clothes after you get out of the pool lowers your risk of a yeast infection.
UTIs
Urinary tract infections develop when bad bacteria travel up your urethra. To lower your risk , avoid sitting in a wet swimsuit for long periods, as moisture trapped against your urethra can encourage bacterial growth. Rinse off after you get out to further reduce your risk.
What to do if you have a problem after swimming
In most cases, if you rinse off and change into dry clothes after the pool, you should be able to avoid gynecological issues.
If you notice symptoms a few days after a swim — like unusual discharge, itching, or burning when you pee — it could be an infection. We’re here to help.
At Elite Gynecology, our team can figure out what’s affecting you and treat it. Most of the problems that crop up after swimming can be cured with a round of antibiotics or antifungals. For the care you need, call Elite Gynecology or book an appointment online today.
Sources
- Bacterial Vaginosis - STI Treatment Guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021.
- Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (STI Treatment Guidelines), 2021.
- Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline (2025). American Urological Association / CUA / SUFU, 2025.
- Preventing Swimming-related Illnesses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Healthy Swimming).
- Vaginitis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
If this sounds like you, come in.
Request an appointment and we will work it up properly rather than guessing from a web page.
Choose an office
Our team will contact you to confirm scheduling. Ask about the appropriate office and availability for your evaluation.