Working out, without a doubt, improves your overall health and makes you fit. While this is the case, intense and strenuous workouts are bound to cause injuries and discomfort – even down there. Harm to vaginal health as a result of exercise is a fairly common occurrence in women who work out regularly and can be anything ranging from a minor infection to serious injuries in your pelvic region.
Here are 6 ways your workout routine can cause harm to your vaginal health.
6 Ways Your Workout Is Harming Your Vaginal Health
1. Yeast Infections
You’re bound to sweat a lot when you work out. And while sweating is great for your body because it helps you cool off, sweating excessively down there can make you highly susceptible to yeast infections, which are caused by an overgrowth of the already existing vaginal yeast. These infections may also be caused when you go for a swim and remain in your swimwear for long durations after you’re done. They are usually accompanied by symptoms like a thick white discharge, a smelly vagina, and intense itching.
Prevent excess yeast from camping in your vagina by simply changing out of your sweaty gym clothes or wet swimwear and slipping into a set of clean, dry clothes. It’s also important to wear gear made of breathable material like cotton.
2. Saddle Sores
If biking is a part of your regular workout routine, you’re sure to have experienced a saddle sore. It’s a sore that develops as a result of sitting for too long and is characterized by cracked, broken skin and sometimes even blisters on the vulva. Proper posture while sitting on the bike and padded shorts could solve this problem. You could also try a different cycling routine for relief.
3. Rashes
Any kind of intense workout is going to lead to a lot of friction due to skin on skin contact and sweat, especially around your vagina. While this is perfectly normal, it could lead to a fair deal of discomfort because it is likely to cause burns and rashes. Sanitary napkins and panty liners aren’t really breathable. So, use cloth menstrual pads or period underwear for sweat absorption and prevent those burns and painful rashes. If you see any grime in your vaginal and inner thigh regions, ensure that you wash it off and air the area well. You could also lubricate the area with some vaseline to prevent excess friction. Remember to always stick to breathable workout gear.
4. Painful Boils
Constant friction while working out not only causes rashes but also ingrown hairs because of irritated hair follicles in your vagina. This could increase the possibility of boils, which swell up and get filled with pus. These boils can be quite painful so it’s important to treat your vagina with care when you develop them. If you normally shave down there, use a trimmer instead. Ensure that you don’t pop these boils no matter what as popping will cause the infection to spread to your bloodstream. You could also use a hot compress down there for relief from the pain.
5. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
A pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles in the pelvic region weaken and one of your pelvic organs like your bladder, uterus, or rectum falls out of its place and presses against your vagina, creating a bulge there.1 Certain exercises like weight lifting, abdominal exercises, and running may make a prolapse worse. Ensure that you see your doctor if you experience this to figure out which exercises are good for you and which aren’t.
6. Cuts, Scrapes, And Bruises
Intense workouts cause cuts, scrapes, and bruises not only on your arms and legs but also on your vagina. If you’ve cut or scraped yourself down there, ensure that you clean your wound well. You can apply some ice if you have a bruise. Also, avoid working out till your injury heals.
Now that you know how your workout can harm your vagina, here are some simple tips to ensure good overall health and, by extension, good vaginal health.
Healthy Exercise Habits For Good Overall And Vaginal Health
- Drink a lot of water before, during, and after exercise to keep yourself hydrated.
- Avoid douching and using feminine care products.
- Eat a well-balanced diet with lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Get sufficient sleep every night.
- Set realistic workout goals for yourself.
If you notice your symptoms getting worse, consult your doctor immediately.
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