question down under

[georgialaw]

I recently started riding and am having problems with yeast infections. I wear perl izumi cycling shorts with no underwear. I am a new triathlete so I swim in my cycling shorts (racing only) much of the time. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[LBTC]

ouch
it's never a pretty thing
I usually get them early in the season then somehow get used to it, and don't get them so often

I wouldn't be surprised if riding in wet shorts is problematic.

I mountain bike (and road bike to train) and feel like a complete geek that I change out of my shorts into anything else right after the ride...but that does seem to help

do you eat much yogurt? that contains a lot of the good bacteria needed to control that yeast...

and there's always fluconazole....one pill and a few days later everything is happy again!

I'll be interested to see if there are any other suggestions....

Namaste,
~T~

[madisongrrl]

When you are done riding, immediately remove your bike shorts and maybe hop in the shower... Do you have a few different pairs of shorts that you can rotate and wash after every use?

[CorsairMac]

did you have problems with yeast infections before you started riding or only after?

[neuroticcyclist]

Ditto what the others say - dry it out down there immediately.

My friends who do tris use special, lighter shorts than regular cycling shorts since they apparently breathe better and dry while on the bike before the run.

[LBTC]

so I found a different saddle on girlbike called the saddleco flow....totally breathes....I'm looking at giving it a try and I'll let you know if the theory works for a fairly light girl on a road bike. I checked a review site - those that loved it LOVED it (mostly girls) those that didn't like it HATED it - they mostly broke it - I'm guessing it would only suit lighter riders.

I'll let you if I get it and if that helps with comfort and avoiding yeast infections (yup, one road ride on Friday and I already had one. thank goodness for fluconazole!)

namaste,

~T~

[anaphase]

How much sugar is in your diet? In addition to drying things out, that can be a big factor.

I am very prone to yeast and I try to avoid a lot of sugar, and I take acidophilous (sp) capsules if I'm not eating yogurt on a regular basis.

Hope this helps!

[MightyMitre]

Hi georgialaw

Don't know if this is relevant to you or not, but if you have a yeast infection both you and your partner should be treated, otherwise it can just carry on passing between you. Men may have it but show little or few symptoms. Just thought I'd mention it.

You said you've just started doing tri. Are you training any harder than normal? Yeast infections can often be a sign of being run down so I hope you're getting lots of nice recovery time.

You could also try taking something like Eccinachea which boosts the immue system and can also help.

Hope this is of some use.

[shewhobikes]

Have had problems with this in the last few weeks. I'm pretty sure it's because I had to go on some strong antibiotics to get ride of a mean sinus/bronchial infection. These drugs can have that side-effect. Yogurt helps, as does acidophelus (sp? guess none of us can spell it!) Also there's some great OTC meds for this now, stuff we used to have to get prescriptions for. Just peruse the "feminine hygiene" shelves at your local pharmacy.

And what everyone else said...ditto. Not to be too specific, here, but warm, wet environments grow yeast. So ditch the Izumis and wash off (even using a baby wipe followed by dry hand towel is good), then put on dry shorts, preferably 100 percent cotton that breathes. Good luck!

[KSH]

Well... this is going to seem out of left field... BUT...

Are you on birth control? If not... or if so... are you taking Depo Provea? The shot you get every 3 months?

All I know... is that since I got on the shot... I NEVER have yeast infections. I use to get them about once a month (mind you, this was just living day to day... there was no activity involved like you are talking about)... now, never get one. I also never get a period. Which is REALLY NICE!

Anyhoo... just another idea for you to ponder.

Best of luck.


PS- Also, when I use to get my yeast infections, the moment I felt a little discomfort, I would give myself a dose of Vagisil (? name?), and it would stop it before it blew up on me. Also, I started eating more yogart (which if you get the Light and Fit kind, it's only 90 calories a serving).

[MightyMitre]

I'm no medical expert but yoghurt, if eaten doesn't really do much to help as it all gets digested in the stomach. Basically to help re-balance things out you need you use live yoghurt and er... apply it directly to the area in question.

If you're not too good at standing on your head then an easier way is to apply it with a tampon.

Oh yes - probably goes without saying but you'll want plain yoghurt, not strawberry or fruit flavour

[fixedgeargirl]

Oh yes - probably goes without saying but you'll want plain yoghurt, not strawberry or fruit flavour

I was going to make a *funny* comment here ...but I will just say that, yes avoid putting anything with sugar on the infection, it's just fuel for the fire.

[SadieKate]

I'm no medical expert but yoghurt, if eaten doesn't really do much to help as it all gets digested in the stomach. Basically to help re-balance things out you need you use live yoghurt and er... apply it directly to the area in question.

If you're not too good at standing on your head then an easier way is to apply it with a tampon.

Oh yes - probably goes without saying but you'll want plain yoghurt, not strawberry or fruit flavour

Just douche with it. Use a 1:1 ratio with warm water. Make sure the yoghurt or buttermilk has a live culture. Works great.

A nurse once told me she had a patient not only use flavored but it still had the berry seeds in it.

[spazzdog]

plain, plain, plain... douching is the only good use for that flavor

Fortunately, I only have to worry about yeast infections when on antibiotics. But I always take my pill(s) with drinky yogurt and no problem.

spazz

[Melody]

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm diabetic and _constantly_ have problems with yeast because of the higher blood sugar amount in my body, and thus, *cough* secretions. :P

But, what I do is douche from time to time with vinegar & water, plus I try to keep things very dry. In addition, I eat yogurt, wear nothing but cotton underwear, etc. etc.

Plus I make my hubby stay _really_ clean down there.

Because I'm diabetic, yeast cream wise, I stay with the 7 day type treatments when I need 'em. The single day is great for people who don't have the problem on a regular basis, but my doc tells me to use the 7 day ones because of the regularity that I have with it.

Mel