Yeast infection? Or something else?

Posted , 4 users are following.

I have had this issue for the past few years were my vulva is dry (but not itchy) and gets irritated when I exercise. It cleared up this past winter but yesterday I sat in 90 degree heat at a graduation (and was sweating a lot). By the time I got home my vulva was extremely irritated. I have bumps on my vulva that my GYN/derm say are friction bumps from running. But looking at the discharge, is it possible this could be a persistent yeast infection? Any insight appreciated!

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0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    hi, it could be a just a yeast infection. The bumps do look like friction from the running. When your running/exercising are you staying in you sweaty clothes for long period of time ? it best to wear cotton panties and let your vagina breath, the heat and moisture is not our friend. Also during the time your vulva is dry are you using a harsh soap or strong fragrance soap ? it could be drying you out.

    • Posted

      Hi Kelly, thank you for this input! The bumps do get worse when I'm running longer miles, and especially during the summer. I try to change as quickly as possible when I get home but I run for 1-2 hours at a time, so I'm usually in sweaty clothes for a while. Do you think it would be better to go without compression shorts while I'm running. I was using Summers Eve for a while but stopped after my derm told me it's really bad for your skin, so now I just use water.

    • Posted

      Sometimes the skin breaks and can bleed slightly when it gets too dry.

    • Edited

      ok i suspected that you were in sweaty clothes for awhile since you are a runner and that is very typical. You can do a couple of things to help you, you can apply A+D to help with chaffing which is what you may have been getting after long runs. just apply it externally. Are you compression shorts like a dri-fit material ? if so your good. What type of panties are you normally in when running? synthetic is a little better with sweat wicking. Yes Summers Eve is not good for us, it says its ok to use but it will dry your vagina and cause your flora to be off balance. Use the water like you have been or mild/sensitive soap like dove if you like. How is your discharge when running log runs ?

    • Posted

      i do want to add that most of your issues is due to the sweating and the fact that your running for such a long time. However it comes hand in hand when with running. If you can find some material/clothes that helps wick the sweat away i think you will be fine. You are not the only one with this problem so your not alone.

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