Exercise and vaginal infections

Can I get vaginal infections from going to the gym? This is a question that often worries women, but the answer is no, but the habits they have during exercise can cause a predisposition.

Vaginal infections are caused by bacteria or fungithey are very common and in most cases they are easy to treat and even prevent.

Engaging in some physical activity, such as working out in the gym, increases humidity and temperature in the vulva area, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi.

But that shouldn’t be the reason for it do exercises, said Alejandra Andrino (@medifemgt), gynecologist and obstetrician, who recommended better habits to avoid infections.

He advised not to wear tight clothes, avoid lycra, wear clothes cotton interiordon’t wear sweaty clothes for a long time and take a shower immediately after exercising.

He further emphasized that some patients think so they have an infectionbecause they have itching in the vulva area, but in many cases it is just contact dermatitis due to the type of clothing they wear or the use of pads.

Itching accompanied by an unusual discharge can tell you that something is wrong. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is normal to have vaginal discharge. It should be clear or white and should not have a strong smell. .

It is important to note that in the weeks before menstruation, it is normal for the vaginal discharge to be thicker and more abundant, this is due to monthly hormonal fluctuations, therefore, a change in color, texture or smell that is not related to this can be an infection.

Along with Andra’s advice, ACOG suggests not douching, consuming probiotics or eating more yogurt, washing reusable products (menstrual cups, cervical caps, and spermicide applicators), using condoms during sex, and washing shameful place gently with warm water.