Ladies - a question

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2009-05-15 11:01 PM

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Master
2621
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Almaden Valley, San Jose, California
Subject: Ladies - a question
Anybody out there have a bigger issue with yeast infections as they ramp up their training, especially on the bike?  Nothing else in life has changed, no antibiotics, etc.  I only wear the shorts once, remove promptly after workout, etc.  I did get a rx for Diflucan, but I hate needing it, and worry about side effects.  Any experiences, thoughts, solutions?

Guys....told you this was for the ladies!!   TMI......

2009-05-15 11:05 PM
in reply to: #2154501

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Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
I have same issue and have standing prescription for same meds that I take twice 3 or 4 days apart. I keep a prescription handy just in case. This year hasn't been as bad as last but my long rides haven't been when it has been above 75 yet.

I have some bike shorts that have breathable chamois..they say they have micro holes in them to make them breath...seem to do better not sure how much. They are Terry Bella shorts.
2009-05-15 11:40 PM
in reply to: #2154501

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2009-05-16 12:39 AM
in reply to: #2154501

Elite
3471
200010001001001001002525
Evergreen, CO
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
I think it has more to do with the carb intake than anything else.  Unfortunately we need carbs to train.  Sometimes I take
Capryl or Candida Cleanse, but it makes me dehydrated since I don't drink enough water.
2009-05-16 4:11 AM
in reply to: #2154501

Veteran
167
1002525
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
Are you sure it is a yeast infection?  Maybe you are just irritated in general in that area.  If the discomfort starts right after a work out, then that is not enough time for an 'infection' to flare up.  Plain Vaseline (no flowery Vagisil or harsh antibiotic cream) has been shown to have a healing effect on the delicate tissues 'down there'.  I have found that a thin coat of Vaseline applied before a long bike work out or after one if I feel a little sore keeps that part comfortable.

If it is yeast, then don't forget the other things you can do to inhibit it - sleep bottomless, all cotton underwear, change twice daily, no Always pads. 
2009-05-16 6:27 AM
in reply to: #2154501

Pro
4824
20002000500100100100
Houston
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
Thank you for asking this!  I have had less than 5 YI's my whole life and yet I am dealing with what guppie described.  It's not full blown but certainly sensitive.  I take probiotics and stay away from sugar.  Sugar feeds yeast and infection.  Probiotics will help make sure there is enough 'good bacteria' so you have the opposite affect as antibiotics.  I like the Pearl brand they are tiny (think birth control size) and easy to swallow.  When I am irritated or feel a YI coming on I take 4 twice a day but you can take more. 
If you get into full blown territory Boiron homeopathy also makes cream and suppositories which aren't as hard on the body/system, they can be found at Whole Foods or Vitamin Shoppe.

2009-05-16 7:40 AM
in reply to: #2154501

Master
1702
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Southern Ontario
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
I'm going to second the avoiding sugar and taking probiotics.  I take Acidophilus and Bifidus.  I haven't had trouble in a while.
2009-05-16 2:40 PM
in reply to: #2154501

Veteran
153
1002525
Northern VA
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question

I hear that going brazilian can lead to more yeast infections.... the hair is there for a reason Embarassed No personal experience with this one! 

2009-05-16 2:47 PM
in reply to: #2154501

Extreme Veteran
418
100100100100
Pittsburgh
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
Hormonal birth control can also exacerbate it.  When I was on the pill, I had a year-long yeast infection, which was disgusting, and biking just made it that much worse.  Diflucan would make it temporarily better, but it was like the yeast had totally invaded my whole body or something, and it would just come back.  I even got thrush at one point, which was nasty as hell and I couldn't eat solid foods for the better part of a week.  I switched from the pill to an IUD, cut 95% of the refined sugar out of my diet, and ate a lot of plain yogurt and probiotics supplements, and now I haven't had any yeast problems in like five years.  
2009-05-16 7:24 PM
in reply to: #2154501

Expert
749
50010010025
Oakland, Fl
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
Ahhh...good to know since I am ramping up on my riding here in sunny FL.  I used to get them and UTIs riding my motorcycle in the summer.  The Dr said it was from the heat and moisture sitting in the sun all day...he said to pee often and not stay in sweaty clothes very long.  Very true on the sugar, which I have a hard time cutting completly out.  Luckily, I have been infection free for a few years....wonder what will happen spending so much more time in the saddle this year??
2009-05-18 9:28 AM
in reply to: #2154501

Pro
5011
5000
Twin Cities
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
Yes. You may want to switch your OTC solution, to see if you can find a better one. I have found that using Tioconazole instead of Miconazole works better for me.

2009-05-18 12:58 PM
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2009-05-18 1:31 PM
in reply to: #2158372

Extreme Veteran
418
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Pittsburgh
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
lvthgme - 2009-05-18 12:58 PM

Okay, I've recently ramped up (from nothing really) my bike time and my friend has been biking with me.  (Side note, this is not yeast infection related specifically.)  Her butt is sore, understandably.  My rear is fine but... my not butt is freakin raw.  I have bike shorts, I used some chamois cream yesterday and I thought it was helping, but by mile 20 it's like...gone.  I'm doing RAGBRAI this summer and am a bit nervous about this b/c what do I do?  Reapply in the ditch every 10 miles??? 

ANY helpful ideas would be much appreciated.



Could it maybe be your saddle?  If you're just riding the stock saddle your bike came with, or if your saddle isn't ladies-specific, your... not butt (lol @ that by the way) is gonna suffer.  Because of the different geometry of a woman's pelvis, and because the anatomy is different than a dude's, your bits come into way more contact with the saddle than a guy's bits when you're in any kind of a forward position.  I had the same problem on my first bike - switching to a women's saddle fixed it. 

ETA:  Sometimes saddles with cut-outs in them make it worse.

Edited by kat_astrophe 2009-05-18 1:32 PM
2009-05-18 1:36 PM
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2009-05-18 3:38 PM
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Member
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10025
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
"Not butt"  this may be the best post of the day.
2009-05-18 4:57 PM
in reply to: #2158372

Elite
3471
200010001001001001002525
Evergreen, CO
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
lvthgme - 2009-05-18 11:58 AM

Okay, I've recently ramped up (from nothing really) my bike time and my friend has been biking with me.  (Side note, this is not yeast infection related specifically.)  Her butt is sore, understandably.  My rear is fine but... my not butt is freakin raw.  I have bike shorts, I used some chamois cream yesterday and I thought it was helping, but by mile 20 it's like...gone.  I'm doing RAGBRAI this summer and am a bit nervous about this b/c what do I do?  Reapply in the ditch every 10 miles??? 

ANY helpful ideas would be much appreciated.



Chamois Butter doesn't work for me either.  I was at the point I thought I needed a new saddle or new shorts because I hurt so bad.  I found some bag balm in the house, so I tried it -- it's like vaseline but even thicker.  5 hour ride yesterday and no problemo.

2009-05-18 5:59 PM
in reply to: #2154501

Veteran
297
100100252525
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
x2 on the probiotics!
2009-05-18 6:28 PM
in reply to: #2154501

Expert
966
5001001001001002525
Decatur
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
x2 on the probiotics and get out of your clothes IMMEDIATELY. try not to even ride home in them.

oh, and I'm trying bag balm - I really like it much better the the butt butter. I would like to try aquaphor? also. I heard that stuff was good too.

luckily I have not had this issue. But definetly take the probiotics. and wash your bottoms after every time not that you don't do that already. just restating.
2009-05-18 7:14 PM
in reply to: #2154501

Extreme Veteran
589
500252525
Gig Harbor
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
I call it - great sig line!!!!
2009-05-18 7:38 PM
in reply to: #2154501

Member
38
25
Boston
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
I had serious problems with YI's (not from biking - wet bathing suit among other things) and I, too hate needing the meds.
Every time I feel one coming on I start eating yogurt ... eating 2-3 cups/day (putting it in smoothies is a great way to get it down). Yogurt helps a LOT!
I have also heard good things about Acidophilus.

Good luck!
-Christina
2009-05-18 10:25 PM
in reply to: #2154587

Expert
977
500100100100100252525
Huntington Beach
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
guppie - 2009-05-16 4:11 AM Are you sure it is a yeast infection?  Maybe you are just irritated in general in that area.  If the discomfort starts right after a work out, then that is not enough time for an 'infection' to flare up.  Plain Vaseline (no flowery Vagisil or harsh antibiotic cream) has been shown to have a healing effect on the delicate tissues 'down there'.  I have found that a thin coat of Vaseline applied before a long bike work out or after one if I feel a little sore keeps that part comfortable.

If it is yeast, then don't forget the other things you can do to inhibit it - sleep bottomless, all cotton underwear, change twice daily, no Always pads. 


I agree that it might not be a yeast infection.  I am TOTALLY new to biking.  I rode 10 miles yesterday and this morning I woke up the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.  However, it must have just been simple irritation from the ride yesterday because I am totally fine now.

2009-05-18 10:34 PM
in reply to: #2154501

Member
37
25
Subject: RE: Ladies - a question
cranberry juice...unsweetened...hard to swallow but I find it keeps YI at bay; normally only drink it when I start thinking a YI is "brewing"...
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