For ladies' eyes only: how to stay fresh on multi-pitch climbs

How do you avoid yeast infections while climbing/sitting in your harness all day?

I often get yeast infections on my multi-pitch climbs, which sometimes also involve camping without showers for a couple days.

I've tried different underwear (patagonia, ice breaker, exofficio, Ibex, rei) and different pants/shorts (always non-cotton). Now I typically go commando (if a girl can do that) because the underwear just gets and stays sweaty all day.

I use a Freshette to pee and have an Arcteryx Women's R280 Harness.

Ok, TMI. Thanks!
Throwaway account because I was a bit embarrassed

If you don't ask, you'll never get an answer.

Use medication as a preventative measure in place of a reaction to an infection and that should prevent one from visiting during or right after your camping/climbing trips.

She said "Ladies eyes only", you guys should have at least refrained from replying. Especially you don't know what you are talking about - just an fyi, Vagisil is not for treating yeast infections.

To the OP: your problem sounds a bit too extreme, maybe you have something else causing the imbalance? I've been on many overnight trips (some as many as 10 days with no showers) and had no sanitary problems. I make sure to jump into streams or lakes any chance I get (even if they're half-frozen), if it's too cold there are always baby wipes (make sure you get unscented variety). On the days I know I'll be peeing on trails, I wear thin maxipads since they absorb and lock moisture. I suggest you talk to your doctor, maybe it's some medication you are taking or maybe your diet. And obviously, eat a ton of yogurt with live cultures (you can also get yogurt culture supplements from a drug or health food store). Also, while it retains moisture cotton, actually helps - maybe you should try some other natural fiber underwear like thin merino or silk?

just an fyi, Vagisil is not for treating yeast infections.quote>

Yes it is.

dolgio wrote:She said "Ladies eyes only", you guys should have at least refrained from replying.

I was going to find the right LOL Cats image to respond, but really, I can't find one.

• Disclaimer:

I'm a guy and have no idea about lady problems

Hey now, don't discount the male opinions that's how I learned how to pee with a harness on:) I've never had your problem and agree that it sounds like your case is pretty extreme and might warrant seeing a doctor. That being said, one of my (male) buddies once told me that some ladies bring along those short cotton tie around the waist sarongs so stuff can air out for a couple of hours at the end of the day and while you're drying underwear you washed. Makes sense considering yeast grows well when there's no air circulating. They're super light and nice to change under as well if you're shy. Of course that only goes for warmer weather and not so much for wearign harness situations... Good Luck!

Well, I'm not an Ob/Gyn, but others are on the right track. Seeing your primary doctor or Ob/Gyn could be very helpful.

There is data to support the use of prophylactic anti-fungals in women who have this problem. A study from Sweden in 1990 compared once a month vaginal clotrimazole versus placebo in women with recurrent yeast infections and there was a significant reduction in the treatment group. Fluconazole, the agent most of us use in the ER as a single-dose treatment for patients with yeast infections also appears to work for prophylaxis. It seems it can be taken orally, once a month, probably best just after finishing menstruation. I haven't reviewed this data myself, however.

Also, your personal doctor may want to do some additional tests, as there may be some underlying reason that you are getting these recurrent infections. I suspect that chronic bacterial vaginosis (a bacterial infection in the vagina) may predispose to recurrent yeast infections. Treating the underlying bacterial infection may correct the problem. I'm only speculating, however, as this isn't really my area of expertise.

In short, changing the type of underwear you use may not be the solution to this problem. Your doctor may be able to help.

Thanks for the responses, ladies (and guys!)

Hank Caylor wrote:just an fyi, Vagisil is not for treating yeast infections.quote> Yes it is.

no, it isn't. it's a topical analgesic formulated to relieve symptoms such as itching, but it is not an anti-fungal agent. it's like taking cough drops (same active ingredient) for cold - it makes you feel better for a short time, but is not treating the underlying infection...

dolgio wrote: no, it isn't. it's a topical analgesic formulated to relieve symptoms such as itching, but it is not an anti-fungal agent. it's like taking cough drops (same active ingredient) for cold - it makes you feel better for a short time, but is not treating the underlying infection...

to-may-to / to-mah-to

Read "Candida" by Dr. Luc De Schepper. Candida is another name for yeast infection.
The book costs all of ten dollars and solving this systemic health problem will make you a better climber. Cheers!

Cranberry juice is very acidic.

I'm just saying!

AHHHHH!!! MY EYES!!!! I NEVER SHOULD HAVE LOOKED!!!

When you put "For ladies eyes only" in the title you are bound to get some interesting responses. I think yogurt has something in it that is beneficial... just to be clear; you eat the yogurt.

Ty Harlacker wrote:When you put "For ladies eyes only" in the title you are bound to get some interesting responses. I think yogurt has something in it that is beneficial... just to be clear; you eat the yogurt.

I will also preface this by saying "I don't know anything about lady problems," but I have actually heard of women using PLAIN yogurt to help maintain balance down there...and no, they were not eating it. It was by recommendation by a doctor so maybe something to look into.

WHY DID I OPEN THIS!!!?

Eating yogurt ( I don't know if I would want to use a topical application if I didn't have a shower... :/ although the topical application totally helps with the symptoms for sure and shortens the duration), lots of water, of course.
You're sure it is a yeast infection and not bacterial like another person mentioned? Perhaps look up the symptoms to be sure, or there are over the counter "yeast strips" to check the ph of your, well, you know. :)
I would suggest, were it me, taking monistat or other comparable brand with me on the trip, just as a back up in case, so you're not miserable til you get back. There are applications that are like a pill, still topical/insertables, but not as yuck as the creams. Those are messy, very messy, because part of the reason they stay where they are needed is that they are made with petroleum products as a base. The "lozenge" type (can't think of the word for them) aren't as messy and get the job done.

Long response, hope it helps. I'm so sorry you have to go through that. Yeast infections are no fun, and I can't imagine having one and being on a trip.

A woman told me once that men in general are immature and petty...it's possible, regardless some of the posts here are quite humorous

BASE1361 wrote:www.vagisil.com FAQ vagisil.com/faqs.shtml Itch? Infection? Out of Balance? Wetness? Odor? Feminine Discomfort? HANK I think you got owned

Hey, look what I found google.
google.com/search?sourceid=…;q=vagisil&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7ACAW
And look what I found at your site. Click on the infections option.
vagisil.com/faqs.shtml