Oxygen USA – July-August 2019

Yeast Infections

Consistent and prolonged exposure to moisture can make your vaginal flora swerve

into yeast infection territory, which is basically an overgrowth of the fungus Candida.

“Your vagina is temperamental and very sensitive to anything extra going on down

there,” says Sherry A. Ross, Ph.D., and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to

Women’s Intimate Health. Period. (Savio Republic, 2017). Your vagina has its own little

ecosystem with both good and bad microorganisms, and when the scale is tipped too

much in one direction, your vagina is unhappy.

PROBABLE CAUSE

When you work out, you sweat — even down there — and that extra moisture will irritate

your sweat glands and hair follicles, disrupting the pH balance of your vagina. “The vagina

is already a warm, damp place — the perfect breeding ground for bacterial buildup,” Ross

says. Couple that with sweaty workout clothing that traps moisture and heat next to your

body and the effects can be amplified, found a Rutgers University study.

PREVENT IT

Go Commando While you may think that wearing panties sub spandex will help keep

things dry, Ross says this is a no-no. “Athletic brands pay attention to the kinds of fibers

they use, and these fabrics — especially in the added panty liner in the crotch — will

absorb sweat and secretions better than your standard [underpants],” Ross says.

Wash Up and Change Out Showering postworkout is the No. 1 way to stay infection-

free, but sometimes driving, walking home or even stopping for brunch is on your

immediate agenda. “It’s that excess sweat which, if not washed away immediately after a

workout, feeds the yeast in your vagina,” Ross says. Change out of your sweaty gear right

after exercising and into clean, dry underwear and clothes to avoid the yeasty beasties.

Bacterial Vaginosis

When there is too much of a certain kind of bacteria in the vagina, it can disrupt the

delicate balance of “good” versus “harmful” flora. “Bacterial vaginosis is not a true

bacterial infection but rather a bacterial imbalance that disrupts the pH of your vagina,”

Ross says. The vagina is normally acidic with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5 — about the same

as a tomato, in case you were curious. “Anything that messes with this pH could lead to

vaginal misery such as infection, dryness, itching or burning,” Ross explains.

PROBABLE CAUSE

While experts aren’t in total agreement as to its cause (some claim the condition is because

of multiple sexual partners), Ross believes you develop bacterial vaginosis similarly to how

you’d get a yeast infection — by wearing sweaty clothing for too long.

PREVENT IT

Ibid Similar to a yeast infection: Shower directly after a workout, and change out of

wet, tightfitting pants as soon as possible.

Spin Cycle Exercisers who cycle or Spin should wipe down the seat thoroughly before

a workout and immediately remove your workout pants/shorts after a class or ride. “With

these activities especially, your vagina and vulvar area may be more exposed to [foreign]

bacteria, since you’re pressing down against a seat and inviting germs to make their way

into your body,” she says.

YEAST INFECTION

SYMPTOMS

Itching, burning,

redness and

swelling of both the

vagina and vulva

Thick, odorless,

white discharge

similar to cottage

cheese

Sometimes

accompanied

by pain during

intercourse and/or

urination

VAGINAL BO

Just like your armpits, your vagina may smell after working out, which

may or may not be normal. “If the smell lingers even after you’ve

showered, see your doctor,” says Shery A. Ross, since persistent odor

could be the sign of an infection. Wondering if the yogi on the next mat

over can catch a whiff when you’re in Down Dog? “If it’s an infection,

then yes, most likely, but if it’s just a little vaginal BO, you probably

have nothing to worry about,” Ross says.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

SYMPTOMS

An abnormal amount of thin,

grayish-white discharge

A foul-smelling fishy odor

In some cases pain with

intercourse

Y

V

110 summer 2019 B