While they’re not necessarily dangerous, yeast infections are exceptionally uncomfortable. Most commonly characterized by an itching, burning sensation in the vagina that makes sex and urinating painful, yeast infections can occur in any part of the body where moisture is easily trapped, like folds in the stomach or the area underneath the breasts. First, the bad news: Exercise can cause yeast infections. The good news? There’s a lot you can do about that correlation. Here’s what you need to know. Yeast becomes a problem only when there’s an overgrowth. “Yeast is a fungus (most commonly Candida albicans) that normally inhabits the vagina, but not to the degree that it causes abnormal symptoms,” says Shannon. “A woman becomes symptomatic when there is an overgrowth of yeast. An overgrowth can occur for any number of reasons—antibiotics, steroids, hormonal imbalance, diabetes—but the bottom line is that something has happened in the vaginal microbiome that causes normal bacteria and yeast to become unbalanced and an overgrowth of yeast occurs.” “Exercise can lead to yeast infections if there is a lot of sweating, the workout is prolonged without showering, drying off, and changing clothes, or if there is prolonged friction or lack of access to ventilation to the vaginal area as seen with prolonged bike rides or spinning,” explains Shannon. “Clothing that does not allow ventilation of the vaginal area or traps moisture near the skin may also cause yeast infections. This includes clothing that fits tightly in the vaginal area. Yeast loves a warm, moist environment. Exercise provides that exact environment.” “If the exercise will be prolonged and/or you will be sweating a lot, wear loose clothing and cotton underwear or clothing that will absorb, or wick away, the moisture,” she says. “It is also important to pick clothing that will not contribute to friction, especially if the exercise already causes friction in the vaginal area, i.e., cycling. Next, take breaks if you can to ‘air out.’ “Allowing ventilation may decrease your risk of getting a yeast infection. Finally, shower, thoroughly dry off, and change clothing as soon as possible after exercising.” Still, don’t fret! As we mentioned, yeast infections are pretty preventable—and even if you do get one, you can fight them naturally.
