We all love swimming especially during the summer seasons or periods when stress has started to set in. To state the truth unequivocally about swimming pools is that, a well-used swimming pool to a large extent contains a large matter of dead skin, feces, mucus, perfumes of all kinds, tiny droplets of sweat, and urine.
But can a swimming pool cause a yeast infection? Yes. We explained in this article, some of the ways by which swimming pools can cause yeast infection.
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How Does A Swimming Pool Cause A Yeast Infection?
Swimming pool causes yeast infection but how does it happen? Sometimes it happens through the presence of chlorine in the pool.
Chlorine cannot be ignored in a pool nor can it be avoided. So when you swim in your chlorinated pool, the chlorine affects the pH of your vaginal if you are female.
And when it is affected, there will be an encouragement of bacterial, fungi, and yeast infections.
Another way yeast infection is encouraged in a chlorinated pool is when you refuse to quickly remove your wet swimsuit and have a body rinse after swimming.
The wet swimsuit breeds yeast infection also because your swimsuit carries some deposit of chlorine from the pool and thus, it becomes a breeding ground for yeast infection to thrive.
Yeast thrives in a moist and stagnant possibly wet area. And so if you dwell in the pool for too long, in your swimsuit, you might probably have to deal with the risk of having a yeast infection.
How Can You Prevent Yeast Infection After Swimming?
Since yeast enjoys moisture conducive areas, then you need to avoid sitting for too long in the pool because of the chlorine that will get attached to your swimsuit.
And as soon as you get out of the pool, get a clean towel and wipe gently your vaginal area, or better still, you can take a light shower to rinse off the chlorine.
Finally, change into very dry and comfy wear so that you don’t remain in your wet swimsuit for too long.
Do kids have yeast infections after swimming?
Kids seldom have yeast infections. However, it is better to have them thoroughly rinsed after swimming and have them change out of their swimsuit as soon as they jump out!
What other infection does swimming cause?
Another well-known infection caused by swimming is known as Swimmer’s ear or otherwise known as Otitis Externa. It is also caused by bacterial infection and is often triggered by water staying in the outer canal of the ear for a long time. thus, providing a safe place for bacteria to thrive.
Although swimmer’s ear cannot be spread and it is mostly found amongst children.
Are some of the symptoms of a swimmer’s ear the same as yeast infection?
No! swimmers’ ear is associated with pain on the outer ear when it is tugged and then the inside of the ear will be itchy. The ear will also be red and it will sometimes, swell. And of course, there will be drainage in the outer part of the ear.
Do you prevent swimmers ear the same way you prevent a yeast infection?
No! since symptoms are different, it doesn’t matter if the mode of infection is the same. For the swimmer’s ears, to avoid it, you could always wear a bathing cap or earplugs.
You can also dry your ears, especially the outer part immediately after swimming you can pull out each earlobe to be sure that when the ear faces a downward direction, the remaining water would drain out. meanwhile, you can use antibiotics if necessary.
How Do You Treat Yeast Infection?
It all depends on how mild or severe your yeast infection is. And it all depends on what the doctor prescribes. Meanwhile, you can take an antifungal medication that will clear the yeast infection in seven days. They can be in form of creams, ointments, and even tablets.
For instance, terconazole, and miconazole is a powerful medications for yeast infections. However, if you don’t want to take seven-day doses, there is a treatment for just single to two doses of fluconazole.
However, if you are pregnant, it is advisable that you don’t go ahead with this treatment until further instruction from your doctor. Read more here
FAQs
Does Swimming Make Yeast Infection Worse?
Swimming doesn’t make yeast infections worse. However, you may want to know that since yeast thrives in a wet environment, it will be best for you to stay away from pools until the yeast infection has cleared off.
Will a chlorinated pool help reduce yeast infection?
Chlorine as a pool chemical helps to clear off the infections and bacteria in the pool but it disturbs the pH of your vaginal so a chlorinated pool cannot reduce yeast infection.
How long do yeast infections last?
It all depends on the yeast infection. Is it mild or severe? Mild yeast infections only last for a few days but severe yeast infections last up to 7 or more days. Sometimes, it can last for up to two weeks.
Do men get a yeast infection from swimming pools?
Swimming generally doesn’t cause yeast infection however it increases your risk of having some that are if you remain in your bath suit for too long. Men are also not left aside in this. Yeast infection is far more common among men and that is because the fungus that causes this infection is present on the skin. This increases their chances of having yeast infections if they thrive in a wet environment.
Is yeast infection transferrable in the pool?
Yeast infection isn’t transferrable in the pool. This is especially because of the water pressure. It distracts any bacteria from being transferred.
Final Thoughts
Yeast infections may and may not be caused by swimming. However, it can be caused by staying too long in a wet swimsuit.
So when you come out of the pool, to be in a safer spot, kindly take a rinse under the shower or garden hose to rinse off chlorine, and then remove the wet swimsuit by replacing it with a dry cloth instead. This way you get to avoid a yeast infection.
