And how to prevent them
The right shirt, good shoes, a sports watch: when you go for a run, you probably think about anything and everything, but not your intimate area. However, it may be necessary. Four complaints that almost every runner has to deal with.
1. Vaginal Discharge
Running doesn’t make your body produce more vaginal discharge, but the movement—and the pressure it puts on your abdomen—does make you lose more of it. For some women, this can feel uncomfortable while running. A panty liner can help. Do you still suffer from more discharge in the days or weeks after walking and do you also suffer from a rash and itching? Then it may be that you have contracted a fungal infection or bacteria, it is better to visit your doctor.
2. Urinary Loss
When the pelvic floor muscles and the sphincter of the bladder are no longer as strong, urine leakage can occur when running. This type of urine leakage is called stress incontinence, with the word “stress” referring to the English word for “pressure.” In this case, running puts pressure on the abdomen and bladder, which are no longer able to bear it due to pregnancy or childbirth, for example. Also during the transition, these muscles become weaker due to the changed hormone balance. Finally, surgery on the uterus or urinary tract can also be a cause of weak muscles.
Incontinence material offers protection if you lose urine while running. That incontinence material is getting thinner, so nobody sees it. Regular pelvic floor exercises help strengthen your muscles and thus limit incontinence. Other tips:
- Don’t run too hard and don’t get too tired.
- Empty the bladder well before running.
- Do not drink too much just before and during your walk. In general, it is not wise for the body to drink less when you lose urine, but do it at other times.
- Make sure you have a change for the road and wear dark clothing.
- If necessary, insert a large tampon while walking, this will support the bladder.
3. Vaginal Yeast Infection
The yeast Candida Albicans occurs naturally in or on our body. On the skin and in the skin folds, but also on mucous membranes in the mouth, vagina and intestines. Normally Candida Albicans does not cause any symptoms. But due to certain circumstances, the yeast can multiply very quickly and cause complaints. For example, by running. This makes it warm and sweaty around the vagina: an ideal environment for Candida to reproduce. The consequence? A Candida infection of the vagina (vulvovaginal candidiasis), more commonly known as a vaginal yeast infection. So try to shower and change clothes as soon as possible after exercising. Soap disrupts the acidity in the vagina, giving bacteria and fungi the chance to multiply. So only wash with lukewarm water or with a special, soap-free washing emulsion. You do not have to wash the internal vagina, it cleans itself. The best way to prevent a yeast infection is, of course, by making sure that the skin does not become too moist. Wearing special sports underwear can help with this.
Regular underwear is often made of cotton, this does not transport moisture well and quickly becomes clammy if you sweat a little. Because you move so much, it will chafe. It doesn’t matter that you wear running pants that do have a moisture drainage system. Seams that are not well finished in normal underwear also cause friction on the skin. You normally don’t notice that much, but you do during a 10-kilometer run. Good sports underwear is made of hollow, synthetic fibers that absorb perspiration well and pass it on to the next layer (shirt/running pants). Not only does this protect you from chafing, it is also better for the health of your vagina. Bacteria and fungi like to be where it is warm and humid. Incidentally, a thong is not so good if you are going to exercise, even if it is a special sports thong. A string does not stay in place as well and therefore creates friction more quickly, which can cause irritation, fungi and infections. If you want to prevent a visible underpants line (ZOL), choose sports boxers or running underpants that fit really well.
4. Sanding spots
Many runners suffer from chafing spots, not nice in the most sensitive part of your body! The skin becomes red and rough and breaks and hurts a lot. You can also experience pain when urinating. Lubricating with Vaseline or udder ointment brings relief. These complaints, just like fungal infections, are caused by a common mistake: not wearing sports underwear. Cotton and organic fabrics often retain more moisture than synthetic material.
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