Do you ride with a YI?

[andtckrtoo]

I have my first Yeast Infection at the age of 44. It's fun (not!). I'm training for a century that takes place in July (so I have time). So, my question to you lovely ladies who suffer from these things - do you ride with them or do you wait until they are completely cleared?

[tulip]

I used to get these alot when I raced and had an ill-fitting bike, bad shorts, sorry saddle, and stayed in my shorts too long. I feel for you! If it's a yeast infection (as opposed to a bacterial infection), Monistat will clear it up in no time, and it's pretty darned uncomfortable to ride. Unfortunately, you need a doctor to tell if it's bacterial or yeast.

[indysteel]

I ride with them. I don't get horrible ones, but I have gotten several over the last year as a result of having to take antibiotics for chronic UTIs. Mine YIs are never that horrible, however, and Monistat provides fairly quick relief.

If you do ride with them, make sure you clean your shorts really well. I know this probably isn't good for the shorts on a regular basis, but I wash them (when I've had a YI) in hot water and put them into a hot dryer.

[Andrea]

I have raced w/a mother-heffer of a YI. It was awfully uncomfortable, but I don't think it made it any worse.

[channlluv]

Just be sure to wash your shorts out in vinegar or something to kill the bacteria, unless you wash them in really hot soapy water.

Monistat works great, and AZO has a homeopathic remedy/preventitive that has worked really well for me. They have one for YI and UTI. It's inexpensive, and with your training schedule, would probably be a good investment to help prevent future infections from taking hold. I buy it at Target next to the other YI medications.

Also, avoid sugary stuff and white breads, beer (which if you're in training, you're probably already avoiding) - yeast loves that stuff.

Roxy

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm so out of it when it comes to the abundance of abbreviations these days....at first I wondered if a Yi was anything like a Wii...some new electronic gadget maybe. Sorry to hear it is actually way less fun than a new gadget. :o Interestingly, I used to get the occasional 'yi' when I was younger, but it's been many years now. I do still get a 'ui' once every few years (not to be confused with 'gui'!).

[andtckrtoo]

Thanks everyone!! It's not really that bad, and one dose of the 7 day Monistat is helping a lot already (yes, I'll take the full 7 days - I got the 7 day one on the advice of everyone here). I'll get out for a short ride on Sunday - longer if it's not too bad.

Lisa - you had me laughing. I tend to abbreviate everything.

[Tuckervill]

Vagisil has an OTC screening kit, now. You can find out if it's yeast without going to the doctor.

Karen

[Andrea]

As a preventative, I've used something called repHresh (http://www.rephresh.com/Main/Default.aspx) with a lot of success. It's a gel that's supposed to balance your pH to make the "environment" not suitable for yeast and/or odor. You can use it as often as every 3 days per labeling instructions, but I just keep it around to use if I feel like a YI might be starting. Haven't had one since I started using it!

[cylegoddess]

monastat never worked for me.
I use( and you may not like this but it works for me in one hour:):)
apple cider vineger, as douche( about two tbs in half a cup of water) or soak a tampon in it and use for five min.
Sounds wierd I know, but I am a natural type ecologist girl and I hate those creams.
You may notice a little burning sensation for one sec or so.Then your PH changes and it doesnt hurt( its very mild.)