cant beat this yeast infection!

[mairead]

Hi all:

Im new to the board but am loving what I see here!

So, I am an avid rider, using my bike as my main transportation and continuously training for centuries. So, here is my issue....

I had to take a serious round of antibiotics at the beginning of the summer which resulted in a nasty yeast infection. I thought I fought it off homeopathically--garlic, yogurt, etc--but....it seem to come flaring back everytime I do a long ride! I am hitting between 75 and 100 miles just about every weekend so this is a real bummer.

Could it be that I keep passing it back by not cleaning my shorts enough? I use cold water and Dr. Bonners, per TYR's instructions.

Could it my position on the bike? I have been riding with the same saddle brand/type for years but just got a new bike. I have not gotten it professionally fit, could it be the adjustment? Am I bearing down to hard on my junk?

I eat a relatively low sugar diet, though I drink cytomax on the bike. I try to eat a lot of yogurt and take oral asidophilus (sp?).

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Im training for a 125mile charity ride in 2 weeks and can't miss anytime on the bike (I took today off to try and recharge my flora ; ) )

Thanks!!!!!!!!

[Zen]

It could be due to your body's pH balance.
If you have a natural foods store go there and ask the HBA staff for some assistance.

[sundial]

Here's an old country doctor remedy--a buttermilk douche. You should get relief of symptoms in 15 minutes.

Another tip is to use that blow dryer after you shower. ;)

[Crankin]

I would first, make sure that you do not have a bacterial infection. I had one in the beginning of the season; no amount of natural cures will cure it! The symptoms were pretty much the same as a yeast infection, but the pain never abated. I would *think* it was gone, but it really wasn't. I wasted 6 weeks like this, when all it took was a quick check by my gyn. and a prescription. She said my numbers were "off the charts." I had never had one before, so it never crossed my mind.
I started washing my shorts in HOT water after this. I know, all the tags say don't do this, but I haven't had a problem since I started this. And, I am very vigilant about changing out of my shorts after riding; no sitting around and eating and socializing. My extra pair of loose shorts go in the car with me for events/rides.

[indysteel]

I found relief through an apple cider vinegar bath. Pour two cups of it into bath water and sit there for as long as you can. I also "blotted" myself with a diluted solution of it a couple of times throughout the day.

Have you been to the doc?

[mairead]

thanks for all the great advice! Im going to my doc on Monday. In the meantime, I am going to try an apple cider vinegar bath and maybe some yogurt suppositories. And washing my shorts in boiling water.

Anyone think this could be related to my seat being too high or my tilt being off?

ugh. Thanks so much everyone!!!!

[smurfalicious]

Ummm washing shorts in boiling water sounds like a damn fine way to ruin them. Remember, they're synthetic as in related to plastics. Most chamois have built in anti-bacterial properties, but just like hanging out in a wet suit sitting in our shorts for hours and creating heat and humidity in the area is going to create the perfect circumstances for yeast.

So my favorite yeast infection cure is boric acid. Also good for killing ants! It sounds crazy but my friend who is a homeopathic superwoman recommended it. I go about using it one of two ways. I have empty gel caps I got at an herb shop and I'll fill a few and put them in. The other option that is uber soothing is to buy a vinegar douche and empty it out. I figure the vinegar is the least awful substance to have first been in the bottle. Then I dump a bit of boric acid in the bottom so it's maybe 1/4 deep and fill it with cool water. It dissolves better in hot but we don't want that. Shake the daylights out of it and use!

Usually one round of the boric acid douche will work but in case it doesn't I bust out the gel caps.

Another possibility is that your partner may be giving it back to you once it's gone. Guys can get a yeast infection too! They just usually aren't symptomatic so the back and forth can happen easily.

I second making sure it's not bacterial vaginosis. That can really suck! Worst part is no beer or alcohol during treatment.

[batsheva]

I am presuming you have tried the proper antifungal vaginal creams/pessaries like miconazole you get get at the local drugstore or supermarket? these will sort the problem in a couple of days--

I always have washed my shorts in hot water and they have not deteriorated in 18 months of maybe 3 hot washes a week-- any anyway, better maybe to shorten the life of your shorts by a few months maybe than keep re-infecting yourself by only using cold water on them--

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I used to get yeast infections when my lifestyle & diet was less healthy. When I started eating more healthy fruits and vegetables, vitamins, protein, more fresh foods....well the yeast infections never came back. Just my own experience.

[Flur]

I'm a diflucan girl myself. I'm prone to these infections so my GYN will often prescribe over the phone. One quick pill and a week of eating yogurt every day does the trick.

To avoid them - sleep naked, no undies, not even cotton. Avoid any products for the nether regions that contain antibiotics, even antibiotic soap (use a mild regular soap), and don't ever use A&D ointment or anything like it as a lube or chamois cream. Change your undies/shorts right after you're done exercising in them, and shower right away if you can. Only use soap once a day in the area - if you shower more than once just rinse with water. And eat lots of yogurt. One a day to keep the doctor away (forget about apples, LOL!) Oh, and I just learned that you should avoid lubes that have any glucose/glucogen in them, as the sugar feeds the yeast.

If you are on a birth control pill, you might want to see if there is a low dose version available. This can make a difference too.

BTW - Fear of the yeasties is what has kept me from wearing cycling shorts with chamois. I'm convinced that it's an insulated breeding ground for yeast, especially since some have antibacterial properties. I wear unpadded wicking shorts and wicking underwear (Patagonia briefs) and haven't had any issues.

[indysteel]

thanks for all the great advice! Im going to my doc on Monday. In the meantime, I am going to try an apple cider vinegar bath and maybe some yogurt suppositories. And washing my shorts in boiling water.

Anyone think this could be related to my seat being too high or my tilt being off?

ugh. Thanks so much everyone!!!!

Your saddle in and of itself will not cause a yeast infection--which has to do with your pH balance being off. However, a saddle that isn't adjusted properly can cause some contact abrasion and discomfort that can feel an awful lot like a yeast infection. Your doctor will be able to determine what you have, and I would suggest getting a proper diagnosis before resorting to any of the OTC yeast infection products out there (like Monistat).

I finally got my situation sorted out and have been problem free for a few months now, but it did require (in order) getting ride of a bad saddle sore, treating the resulting yeast infection that I got from overcleaning myself, treating the abrasion that my saddle was causing me with a topical Cortizoid cream, getting my bike and saddle refit to eliminate the discomfort that caused the saddle sore in the first place. Oh, what a vicious circle that was!

[kie_fujo]

diflucan is awesome. i went through an entire year of getting them every month after my hysterectomy. the diflucan always took care of it. i second the thing about your partner. especially if he is uncircumsized. i have gotten quite a few from my husband from this. and make sure you dry off after bathing. nothing helped more than drying extra (and cutting back on soda)!!

[NadiaMac]

I'd wash the shorts on hot for a while (or warm if your washer runs hot). I've personally found w/ yeast infections that doing undies and undie-like garments (ie, cycling shorts) in hot/warm water is necessary to prevent recurrance. (I also avoid washing socks with undies/cycling shorts unless it is a hot/warm wash, cause socks can be a source of yeast).

I do my shorts periodically in warm/hot (but always air dry them) and they've held up just fine for about two years of bi-weekly washing.

[VeloVT]

I would go to the doctor.


I count myself as very lucky -- I just don't get yeast infections -- I've never had one in my life. But as others have mentioned, there are various other things it could be that have similar symptoms and are relatively minor, but won't be cured by "natural" treatments or OTC yeast infection treatments.

[Jiffer]

Not sure if it would actually make a difference as far as yeast infections, but Cytomax makes a "lite" version, called Cytomax Lite. Dh and I use it and like it. You may not find it as easily as regular Cytomax, but whoever you buy Cytomax from can probably order it for you, or just get it on the internet. We buy ours at The Vitamin Shoppe usually. They sometimes have it in stock and sometimes not, but they order it for us. Dh found a good deal on the internet recently, though, so he ordered a bunch there. We like the raspberry iced tea flavor.

I researched about yeast infections recently and found a really old thread on this site where one person said don't wash down there ... ever (I don't get that, but I guess it's supposed to be okay!) and another person said to use baby soap, which is super gentle. That's what I've been doing lately.

[Flur]

I researched about yeast infections recently and found a really old thread on this site where one person said don't wash down there ... ever (I don't get that, but I guess it's supposed to be okay!) and another person said to use baby soap, which is super gentle. That's what I've been doing lately.

A mild face soap works well too.

[shootingstar]

Let's put it this way...had some infection probably due to cycling for several hrs. in the rain on our way to Seattle.

Enough that I really couldn't join mimi for a bike ride. So cured myself by a visit to Seattle drugstore...

[Miranda]

Another +1 for the Difluken pill...

Who ever invented the notion of stuffing more yucky stuff near your already yeasty yucky you know what as a cure was insaine.

When I saw my gyno once for my saddle issues he told me there is also this external yeast that ladies can get in the summer months. It can be quickly cured with some sort of rx topical cream. The doc just needs to see it to properly dx.

I'm with the rest of the girls on the don't mess with nature. I think I'm about a 3 pair of panties a day changing gal, nightie w/no bottoms, no soap stuffs there--just plain water, no scented/deorderant pads/tampons, etc.

Hope you find a permanent solution.

[smurfalicious]

I would really, really, really avoid Diflucan or OTC creams if you can. Relying on those basically create super yeast that will only become resistant.

Here's a great resource on cures from outside the icky cream/anti-fungal pill realm: https://www.msu.edu/~eisthen/yeast/yourself.html

[BethG]

I had to take a serious round of antibiotics at the beginning of the summer which resulted in a nasty yeast infection. I thought I fought it off homeopathically--garlic, yogurt, etc--but....it seem to come flaring back everytime I do a long ride! I am hitting between 75 and 100 miles just about every weekend so this is a real bummer.

I think if you've tried the "natural"/do-it-yourself/homeopathic remedies, and the infection keeps recurring, it's time to try a prescription or over-the-counter remedy. (and really, is that any messier than self-treating with yogurt?)

Change/shower as soon as possible after riding, wash your shorts (and your other skivvies) in hot water, and treat the infection.

If you're still having problems, it's probably time to talk to your gyn.

[eofelis]

I used to have bad, ongoing YI/BV problems. They did not seem to be bike-riding related.

I went through a few rounds of heavy-duty meds, even Diflucan. They didn't clear it all up. I also did some home remedies at the same time.

The remedy that I think helped me the most was the vinegar bath. I also put a few squirts of povidine-iodone solution in (antimicrobial). When mine was really bad I'd do the bath 2x day. Take a book, sit for 1/2 hr until water cools off.

I've been infection-free for a couple of years now. I also take Azo Yeast tablets as a preventative.

I am a bit particular about the chamois in my riding shorts. If it is too thick or stiff I find it irritating. I cannot wear PI shorts. My faves are older Hind and Insport shorts, they have very thin padding. I also like Blackbottoms shorts.

Do web search for making boric acid tabs also.

[eofelis]

So my favorite yeast infection cure is boric acid. Also good for killing ants! It sounds crazy but my friend who is a homeopathic superwoman recommended it. I go about using it one of two ways. I have empty gel caps I got at an herb shop and I'll fill a few and put them in. The other option that is uber soothing is to buy a vinegar douche and empty it out. I figure the vinegar is the least awful substance to have first been in the bottle. Then I dump a bit of boric acid in the bottom so it's maybe 1/4 deep and fill it with cool water. It dissolves better in hot but we don't want that. Shake the daylights out of it and use!



Yeah, what she said about the gel caps.....^^^^^

[chicago]

I'm a diflucan girl myself. I'm prone to these infections so my GYN will often prescribe over the phone. One quick pill and a week of eating yogurt every day does the trick.

To avoid them - sleep naked, no undies, not even cotton. Avoid any products for the nether regions that contain antibiotics, even antibiotic soap (use a mild regular soap), and don't ever use A&D ointment or anything like it as a lube or chamois cream. Change your undies/shorts right after you're done exercising in them, and shower right away if you can. Only use soap once a day in the area - if you shower more than once just rinse with water. And eat lots of yogurt. One a day to keep the doctor away (forget about apples, LOL!) Oh, and I just learned that you should avoid lubes that have any glucose/glucogen in them, as the sugar feeds the yeast.

If you are on a birth control pill, you might want to see if there is a low dose version available. This can make a difference too.

BTW - Fear of the yeasties is what has kept me from wearing cycling shorts with chamois. I'm convinced that it's an insulated breeding ground for yeast, especially since some have antibacterial properties. I wear unpadded wicking shorts and wicking underwear (Patagonia briefs) and haven't had any issues.

in addition to all this "cleansing"... if you are having sex, be sure to wipe yourself with a warm rag afterwards.... even with the smallest about of sex. you would be surpised at the amount of bacteria that results from sex (and sweat:rolleyes:). wipe your private's nice and clean each time and this will rid of any bacteria wanting to multiply into sometype of infection. i never go to bed without cleaning up a bit if i had sex, LOL!! i was having some problems with this a while back... maybe it was the condoms i don't know... but i had to visit my doctor like 3x in 3 months and she told me to make sure to wipe after every encounter... and haven't had a problem since. guess all that friction, sweat, etc, etc... was causing some trouble, LOL! sorry TMI... but seriously, it has helped me alot.

[WindingRoad]

Diflucan rocks but another homeopathic remedy you can use is Tea Tree Oil. You mix about a tablespoon in about a gallon of lukewarm water and use this in a douche bag. This should do the trick if it really is yeast. If this keeps up you definately need to be sure its not a bacterial infection because they feel the same sometimes (from experience).;)

[chicago]

I might add... I personally would not try anything without visiting a doc. Sometimes all this over the counter stuff just makes things worse. Your doc will know what to do... hopefully you will get to see her/him soon:)

[Flur]

in addition to all this "cleansing"... if you are having sex, be sure to wipe yourself with a warm rag afterwards.... even with the smallest about of sex. you would be surpised at the amount of bacteria that results from sex (and sweat:rolleyes:). wipe your private's nice and clean each time and this will rid of any bacteria wanting to multiply into sometype of infection. i never go to bed without cleaning up a bit if i had sex, LOL!! i was having some problems with this a while back... maybe it was the condoms i don't know... but i had to visit my doctor like 3x in 3 months and she told me to make sure to wipe after every encounter... and haven't had a problem since. guess all that friction, sweat, etc, etc... was causing some trouble, LOL! sorry TMI... but seriously, it has helped me alot.

Make sure you pee after too. That keeps away urinary tract infections, which require antibiotics to get rid of, and the antibiotics can give you the yeasties! What a vicious cycle!

[NbyNW]

A few years ago the I decided that something about the pill was making me susceptible to yeast infections. I would do my Monistat or Miconazole treatmeents, be clear for a few days, then have my period, and within 2-3 days of starting a new pill pack the infection would be back.

So I decided to go off the pill. The infections stopped. And I didn't have to disinfect my underwear or anything. It had something to do with my body chemistry.

For birth control/family planning, a friend tipped me off to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Anniversary/dp/0060881909/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220588334&sr=8-1

which describes a method that works for most women to know when you are fertile or not. It's not for everyone, but it's worked for us so far.

[chicago]

A few years ago the I decided that something about the pill was making me susceptible to yeast infections. I would do my Monistat or Miconazole treatmeents, be clear for a few days, then have my period, and within 2-3 days of starting a new pill pack the infection would be back.

So I decided to go off the pill. The infections stopped. And I didn't have to disinfect my underwear or anything. It had something to do with my body chemistry.

For birth control/family planning, a friend tipped me off to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Anniversary/dp/0060881909/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220588334&sr=8-1

which describes a method that works for most women to know when you are fertile or not. It's not for everyone, but it's worked for us so far.

when I go on bike trips for the weekend or longer, I definitely take those Monistat wipes with me. They are good to have and keep around. I also carry that tiny tube of Monistat as well... just in case I feel a tiny bit of itching coming on. I tried to "nuke" it as quickly as I feel it. arrgggh... what we women must endure!:mad:

[windrider]

The previous poster was right on about making SURE it is yeast. Bacterial infections can give the same symptoms, and the cure is very different.

It may be you are getting more abrasion with your new bike setup, but if you don't have hot spots (no pun intended) during a ride, I doubt that is the problem.

I was having lots of problems with itching or burning spots and started using Assos chamois cream before every ride. Just apply sparingly to your crotch (vulva), not the chamois. Keeps the chamois from growing germs while it is drying/sitting around and protects your skin until you can get in a shower. And yes, change out of your shorts right away, although after starting to use the Assos, I haven't even had a problem with leaving the shorts on for the drive home.

Skip the topical home remedies, even natural stuff can get your flora out of balance. Oral acidophilus is good if you do take the oral diflucan, but nothing on your privates.

To clarify, do not use the Assos cream on the mucous membranes, just the skin.

And one more thing - the last (looong) round I had with infections, it turned out that my husband's saliva was irritating and causing an imbalance in the pH or something. Hate to give it up, but constant infections don't help your sex life either. So I second the rinsing or clean damp washcloth after sex. Just make sure you wash the cloth with bleach or very HOT water.