Because synthetic fabrics are lighter and more water-resistant, they often are used for cycling clothing. They also can be more puncture- and rip-resistant, which is ideal for mountain biking. However, these materials can lock in heat and moisture, and yeast, like Candida albicans, thrives in moist, warm conditions. Spending too much time in sweaty clothing, like mountain biking shorts, can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection.
Yeast Infection Facts
According to MayoClinic.com, as many as three out of four women will experience a yeast infection at some point. Candida is a microorganism that is normally found in the vagina and ikept in check by Lactobacillus bacteria. An overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can lead to the itching and burning symptoms associated with a yeast infection. Taking antibiotics, high estrogen levels, uncontrolled diabetes and having an autoimmune disorder also can increase your risk for a yeast infection.
Exercise and Yeast Infections
Mountain biking, or exercise itself, does not cause a yeast infection; in fact, Candida-solutions.com states that exercise can play an important role in preventing candida growth, and mountain biking is an aerobic activity that increases oxygen circulation; more oxygen helps bring your body into a more alkaline state, which discourages candida. However, yeast cultures thrive in moist, warm environments, so exercising in underwear or clothing that does not allow enough ventilation in your genital area can increase yeast growth.
Mountain Biking Shorts
Most mountain biking shorts have a padded seat to prevent your backside from becoming sore on long rides over bumps and jumps. This padding can be synthetic or made of natural fibers and is sewn into the spandex or other fabrics that make up the rest of your shorts. As a mountain biker, you can choose to wear the traditional tight spandex shorts or a baggy-style mountain bike shorts. The latter consists of a synthetic fabric shell and a traditional spandex inner short. Choosing the baggy style adds an extra layer of synthetic fabric that protects your skin from abrasion but further decreases air circulation in your groin area.
Prevention Tips
To avoid a yeast infection, change out of wet or damp clothing as soon as possible and dry yourself thoroughly after a ride. You also can try wearing cotton underwear under your shorts; cotton is more breathable than synthetic fabrics. Finding natural fiber shorts might be difficult, but if you have recurring yeast infections it might be well worth the effort.
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