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I just learned this lesson the hard way. My symptoms started yesterday.

On Friday, I went to the campus gym in typical workout gear and used the machines, including the stationary bikes. Now, my v****a is all red and itches like hell. Sometimes it hurts. Even though we're supposed to wipe down the equipment at the campus gym after we're done using it, but either someone didn't wipe it or whatever was on there survived the wipedown.

I read in one of mom's women's magazines that if you go to the gym, you should wear a pantiliner. Too bad I didn't see the article until today. xp I know for certain this is not a yeast infection (the symptoms don't match up), and I'll get over it in a couple of days. But you can be damn sure I'm wearing a pantiliner the next time.

So, let my suffering be a lesson to you. eek

I was wearing thin yoga pants, which may have been a mistake on my part. Like I said before, anything on the stationary bike may have survived a wipedown, or it may not have been wiped down. (Not wiping it down was my fault anyway.) Maybe if I'd had that extra layer of plastic, I might not have had any problems. I was at the gyno less than two weeks ago, and had a clean bill of health.

Perhaps it could have been the bike seat. But now that I think about it, I wonder if any other women have experienced problems like mine after going to the gym. I'm going to go see if I can't find anything.

Wearing a pantyliner may not be a bad idea, but not for the reason you think. Yes, stuff can live on the equipment. But sweat can also be a factor. You're wearing different clothes, usually made out of synthetic fiber to be stretchy or whatever. You sit on stuff (like the bike) in weird positions. Your body is sweaty and the sweat can get down there.

I notice after I work out that I get similar discharge. But it's only on days where I'm using the machines where you sit, or the bike. If I just do a cardio day and use the treadmill, it doesn't happen. I wear cotton undies and cotton pants.

Wearing a pad will help keep the yucky stuff away but can also help reduce sweat getting down there and can alleviate some pressure. It's no substitution for wearing breathable clothes, but it can help.

Wipe the equipment down before and after you use it. It might take longer, but it's safer. I've seen big, sweaty guys leave a machine I want to use without wiping it.... so... gross... gonk

That's actually probably a really good idea. If I ever went to the gym, I would probably do that.



Interesting. Is there any reason why he has not showered? You're right though, I am sure he is not the only person. I had an ex who did not brush his teeth for three years. I think he went a really long time without showering once, but I do not remember how long. That was all before I met him.