Hi! and Question about Bike Shorts "au natural"

[DeniseGoldberg]

Hi Ladies,

I'm a new biker and was told by a seasoned athlete that Au Natural was the way to go. So I did! And one week later, I ended up with a yeast infection...YUCK! I haven't had one of these since I was a teenager! Is this a common problem associated with biking? Could it have something to do with my biking shorts (PEARL iZUMi)? Help. How can I avoid this going forward.

Thanks.

I wear PI shorts too, and I haven't had a problem...

Did this happen after a single ride? Or multiple rides? If multiple, are you always wearing clean shorts?

I change out of my cycling shorts as soon as possible after my rides (OK, if I've driven somewhere I usually drive home first, unless it's a very long drive), and I wash my shorts after each use.

--- Denise

[bcipam]

Wearing cycling shorts is not a cause of yeast infections. However, providing a nice, wet, warm environment for the yeast (which is always present in the body) to flourish will. Yeast infections can also be triggered by hormones (ie around that time of the month) so all maybe coincidental. Bottom line, with or without panties under your shorts, you should change out of wet clothing as soon as possible. That also means making sure everything is dry and clean. Bike shorts should only be worn once than washed. I suggest in a washer (but hang dry - NEVER put shorts in the dryer). Also, watch your diet. Eating lots of yeasty foods, such as bread, will cause the yeast in your body to grow out of control.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I suggest in a washer (but hang dry - NEVER put shorts in the dryer).

My shorts go in the washer AND the dryer. No problem.

But I would suggest following the manufacturer's recommendation about the dryer. My PIs and the dryer get along just fine.

[Biking Mama]

I had ridden several times over the week, before symptoms of an infection began. What symptoms appear if it is an allergic reaction to the PI shorts?

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Mama

Before you decide its an allergy, are you ensuring you get out of your sweaty clothes asap? Pref have a quick shower, or if you can't, a cat-wash with a flannel, because sweaty nooks and crannies will breed infection... also shaving leads to ingrown hairs and you add that to constant friction of riding and this again can lead to infection...

Good luck with getting your girly bits ok again...

[Biking Mama]

I'm thrilled to find so many wonderfully helpful women athletes willing to help us newbies!

Take care to all.

Biking Mama

[anne_77]

Update on the biking shorts:

Well, I ordered Butt'r and tried the shorts au natural. I waited for the Butt'r because I don' t want to take any chances

I'm still not brave enough to abandon my undies at the gym in spin class though (i'm doing spin class at the gym to try to improve my endurance and strength when I can't ride outside - lots of rain lately). It's embarassing to say but I'm worried my pubic hair might stick through the fabric - I trim but I'm paranoid. So it's undies at the gym for now.

I also ordered a couple pairs of shorts. The Sugoi ones were too small so I had to return them. (Always a depressing event). The Shebeest ones had a see-through panel at the top which I didn't like so I also returned those. But I kept the Shebeest pedal-pushers. I'm going to try those today under the nike tights I just bought at my LBS. I love my nike tights. They are SOOOOO comfortable. I'll let you all know how the Shebeest pedal pushers work out. I have to say the chamois in them looks 100% more impressive than the one in my Treks.

I did pick up another pair of Treks - they're cheap and I was deparate for a second pair so my roommates don't kill me when they get the water bill!

I'm also beginning to look into wind gear for the winter. It's in the 40's/50's here now. Unfortunately my LBS doesn't have any wind pants/jackets for women. However, the LBS makes up for their lack of clothing selection with cute salesmen I guess you have to have priorities!

Oh - I did make a "trek" out to another LBS about an hour away (=2 hour round trip) to see what they had. Their selection was even worse so I'm staying in town from now on!

And lastly - thanks for the weblink to TerryBicycles. Their stuff looks cool. I'll have to try them next!

[CorsairMac]

I had ridden several times over the week, before symptoms of an infection began. What symptoms appear if it is an allergic reaction to the PI shorts?

very raw, very red, itched like crazy, very swollen. Wearing Anything like underwear or jeans for the next few days after it happened was awful.