When you’re feeling fit and healthy, working out and exercising is a good way to stay strong and helpful for your well-being. But what if you have a yeast infection? Can you still do your normal exercise routine?
Yeast infections can be uncomfortable. Lots of women have them from time to time, and they happen when there’s too much of a certain type of yeast, called candida, growing in their body.
Typical symptoms include itching, burning, swelling, and pain during intercourse. With these discomforts, one might wonder how much physical activity is advisable, or if certain exercises should be avoided.
Working out can make you healthier because it would help your body fight off the infection faster. But on the other side, certain exercises can make it easier for the yeast infection to get worse, like when you get sweaty or when your clothes rub on your skin.
This article will probe into this topic. We’ll explore whether you can safely workout while having a yeast infection, and if it could worsen or alleviate symptoms, the types of workouts that might be more or less suitable during this period, and precautions to consider.
Can working out make a yeast infection worse?
Yes, working out can sometimes make a yeast infection worse. Exercise can cause you to sweat a lot, and this might help the yeast grow more easily.
There are things you can do to prevent making this illness worse when you exercise. One thing you can do is wear clothes that allow your skin breathe and do not hold in moisture.
Also, after you finish working out, make sure to change out of your sweaty clothes right away.Remember to pay attention to your body.
If working out is making you feel more uncomfortable or making your yeast infection symptoms worse, it might be a good idea to change your exercise routine or take a break until you get better
What are some Tips for Exercising with a Yeast Infection?
1. Avoid Prolonged Sweating and Friction:
During physical activities, prolonged sweating or any situation that involves long-hour friction and lack of access to ventilation in the vaginal area, such as bike rides or spinning, can potentially worsen yeast infections.
Be sure to shower, dry off and change into clean clothes immediately to help manage the symptoms.
Tight clothes can also increase the ire of yeast infections. Opting for loose, breathable workout attires can provide more wellness and comfort
2. Strategize Treatment Applications:
If you’re using a medicine like MONISTAT® 1 Ovule® to help with the yeast infection, it’s usually okay to keep exercising.
But, if you’re using other treatments that could leak out, it’s better to take them at night, right before bed. Lying down as soon as possible after inserting the product can help reduce leakage.
Additionally, be sure to treat it quickly with antifungal creams, ointments, or suppositories like miconazole (Monistat 3), or a relevant oral medication like fluconazole (Diflucan).
3. Practice Mindful Lifestyle habits:
Regular exercise is actually recommended to lower the risk of a yeast infection. However, it is crucial to combine this with stress reduction techniques, such as meditation and yoga while being careful about the types of exercises you choose and ensuring to maintain hygiene.
Avoiding feminine sprays, whether scented or unscented, can also reduce the risks of these infections. Remember, everybody is different, so it’s important to pay attention to your own body.
If exercise makes yours worse, take it easy or switch to a different exercise until you get better.
What are the best workout clothes to prevent yeast infections?
- Pick Clothes that Wick Away Sweat:
Choose workout clothes that can take sweat away from your skin. These clothes are called moisture-wicking clothes. Some examples are synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.
- Avoid Tight, Restrictive Clothing:
Tight workout leggings or underwear can trap moisture and generate friction, creating a favorable environment for yeast infections. Wearing looser-fitting workout clothes can help reduce this risk.
- Opt for Breathable Clothing:
Select lightweight and breathable underwear that can help maintain a ventilated environment around the vaginal area, preventing the growth and overgrowth of yeast
- Change and Shower After Working Out:
Exercising can make you sweat, and this might irritate a yeast infection. To help with this, you can take a shower and change into clean, dry clothes as soon as possible after working out
What fights off yeast infections thoroughly?
- Antifungal medications
These come in various forms such as creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories. Some common antifungal medications include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole. These medications can be found both over-the-counter and by prescription.
- Fluconazole (Diflucan):
This is another option, which is a single dose oral medication prescribed by doctors. Remember that its great to allow your doctor prescribe this for you, or if recommended by a pharmacist, double-check with your doctor before taking them.
- Home remedies
Though might not be as effective as dedicated antifungal medications, can also help manage the symptoms. Garlic is great! You can eat it but do not put it directly on the infection. Vinegar is awesome too.
Sometimes people take baths with a little bit of it in their water. This might make the yeast go away. Boric acid works wonders too. It is a special acid kind some people use for yeast infections. And It comes in a capsule that you put inside your vee vee.
Faqs – Can I Workout While Having A Yeast Infection?
1. Avoid douching or using harsh, scented soaps.
2. Avoid wearing tight clothes that can trap moisture
3. Avoid having sexual intercourse, as it may be painful and may spread the infection
Sitting all day may contribute to yeast infections if it leads to moisture buildup and lack of air circulation. But it’s more likely a result of other risk factors.
Rest is not necessary, but it may help you manage symptoms. Participate in low-intensity activities and avoid activities that irritate affected areas.
Yeast infection causes inflammation and irritation in the vulva and vagina. Walking can cause friction, putting additional pressure on the irritated tissue, leading to pain and discomfort.
Moderate exercise can boost your immune system, possibly making it easier for your body to fight off candida. However, excessive exercise can weaken the immune system and possibly worsen the situation.
Conclusion
Of course, you can workout while having a yeast infection but be sure to pick exercises that don’t cause more pain or discomfort.
You should also keep the area clean and dry by changing into clean clothes and showering after your workout. It’s smart to talk to a doctor for the best treatment to get better faster.
Remember, you should always listen to your body to keep yourself healthy and happy while exercising.
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9504472/
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