The women’s festival survival guide: GP reveals the biggest health mistakes women make at festivals And how to avoid them
With thousands of women heading to festivals this summer, muddy campsites, portable toilets and limited access to showers can create the perfect conditions for unwanted health problems.
From urinary tract infections (UTIs) and thrush to period mishaps and dehydration, spending several days outdoors can take its toll if you’re not prepared.
But according to GP and women’s health expert Dr Nikki Ramskill, a few simple precautions can help ensure your festival memories are about the music rather than a trip to the doctor.
Don’t over-clean your intimate area
When showers are few and far between, many women reach for intimate washes, scented wipes and deodorising products to feel fresh.
However, Dr Ramskill says this is one of the biggest mistakes women can make.
“The vagina is remarkably good at looking after itself, so the biggest mistake is often trying to keep it ‘too clean’,” she explains.
“You don’t need intimate washes, perfumes or harsh soaps. Washing the vulval area with water, or a gentle fragrance-free cleanser if you prefer, is enough.”
She warns that scented intimate products, douches and perfumed wipes can upset the natural balance of healthy bacteria that protect against infection.
“A healthy vagina shouldn’t smell like flowers or perfume. Every woman has her own normal scent, and that’s completely healthy.”
Why festivals can trigger UTIs
GPs often see a rise in urinary tract infections after major festivals, and it’s not simply because campers aren’t showering.
Instead, Dr Ramskill says it’s usually caused by a combination of dehydration, alcohol, avoiding unpleasant toilets, disrupted sleep and increased sexual activity.
“When urine sits in the bladder for longer, bacteria have more opportunity to multiply, increasing the risk of infection.”
Alcohol can make matters worse by contributing to dehydration, meaning your body produces less urine to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
Her advice is simple: alternate alcoholic drinks with water throughout the day and aim for pale yellow urine rather than dark yellow.
Simple habits that can prevent infections
Dr Ramskill recommends several easy steps that significantly reduce the risk of UTIs and irritation during a festival weekend.
These include:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Don’t hold your urine for long periods, consider packing a Shewee or Luii device if festival toilets put you off.
Empty your bladder after sex where possible.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
Change out of wet swimwear or sweaty clothes as soon as possible.
Pack plenty of spare cotton underwear.
Avoid wearing tight synthetic clothing for long periods, particularly during hot weather.
“These small habits can make a real difference,” she says.
How to avoid thrush and bacterial vaginosis
Hot weather, damp clothing and poor hygiene facilities can all increase the likelihood of developing thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Dr Ramskill advises women to change out of damp clothing quickly, avoid staying in wet swimwear all day and stick to breathable cotton underwear whenever possible.
She also says staying hydrated and getting enough sleep helps support the immune system, reducing the risk of infections.
While some women choose probiotics marketed for vaginal health, she says the scientific evidence remains mixed.
“They’re generally considered safe for most healthy people and some women feel they help reduce recurrent episodes, but I wouldn’t rely on them alone.”
Planning ahead for your period
Getting your period halfway through a weekend of camping can feel daunting, but Dr Ramskill says preparation is key.
She recommends packing more sanitary products than you think you’ll need, alongside hand sanitiser, biodegradable toilet tissue, spare underwear and sealable disposal bags if bins aren’t available.
Women with particularly heavy or painful periods should also remember to pack their usual pain relief and may find period underwear useful as overnight backup.
If your period is due during the festival, planning ahead could make life easier.
“A healthcare professional may be able to prescribe medication to delay your period temporarily,” she explains.
“For women already using hormonal contraception, it may also be possible to adjust how it’s taken to safely skip a withdrawal bleed. This isn’t suitable for everyone, so it’s important to discuss it well before travelling.”
Are menstrual cups better than tampons?
There’s no single best option when it comes to period products, says Dr Ramskill.
Menstrual cups can be particularly practical because they require emptying less frequently and produce less waste, but they do require clean hands for insertion and removal.
“I wouldn’t recommend trying a menstrual cup for the very first time at a festival. It’s much better to become confident using it beforehand.”
Period pants can also be a useful option, particularly overnight, although they require somewhere suitable to rinse or change them.
For women using tampons, regular changing remains essential.
“They should never be left in for longer than eight hours because of the small but serious risk of toxic shock syndrome.”
Know when to seek medical help
Most minor irritation settles quickly, but Dr Ramskill says women shouldn’t ignore symptoms after returning home.
Burning when passing urine, needing to urinate more frequently, blood in the urine, abnormal vaginal discharge, persistent itching, pelvic pain or unusual bleeding should all be checked by a healthcare professional.
Urgent medical attention should be sought if UTI symptoms are accompanied by fever, shivering, vomiting or pain in the back or side, as these may indicate a kidney infection.
Similarly, anyone using tampons who develops a sudden high fever, rash, vomiting or feels acutely unwell should remove the tampon immediately and seek emergency medical care, as these can be symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, although thankfully it remains extremely rare.
Dr Ramskill adds: “Festivals should be about making memories, not picking up infections. A little planning, staying hydrated, looking after your vulval and vaginal health without over-cleaning, practising good hand hygiene and listening to your body can go a long way towards keeping you healthy while you enjoy the weekend.”
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