by Clarissa Hartley

Stains and blisters, urinary tract infections and yeast infections, these might be the less glamourous side of an active lifestyle, but we believe in airing these often-underplayed female health issues in sports to ensure every woman gets the support she needs. Long distance cycling and running, among other sports, are often associated with ‘no pain, no gain’. However, unaddressed physical discomforts such as saddle sore, chafing or urinary tract infections can hinder us rather than contribute to our gains.

As proactive and dynamic women, it’s high time we took these sports-related health matters into our own hands without feeling any sense of shame. By breaking the silence around these issues, we intend to foster a scenario where women feel safe discussing these sporting health challenges and can find potential remedies.

Overcoming Sports-Related Health Taboos

Confronted with a sudden blister or a persistent UTI? Don’t fret, we have solutions, starting with strategies on handling skin issues such as blisters and chafing. A long-distance runner and personal trainer shares her experience with nether-region blisters resulting in ingrown hairs due to continuous friction between the saddle and skin. She vouches for a certain soothing cream which has a cooling effect and finds it very useful in combating these issues.

Recurrent urinary tract infections are another common health issue plaguing active women. Experts suggest regular hydration, cleanliness, and herbal supplementation for bladder support, aside from regular intake of Vitamin C and electrolytes, as a proactive strategy to keep urinary infections at bay.

Incontinence and pelvic floor weakness, especially after childbirth, can be another significant challenge when returning to sports. The variation in hormones with aging can also contribute to weaker, stiffer muscles. Practicing specific exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscle can substantially relieve these concerns and restore confidence.

Time To Shatter The Silence!

Remember, whatever discomfort you face, you are not alone and are commendable for persistently pursuing an active lifestyle. Physical activity boosts health, and being forthright about these less-discussed issues is a major step in obtaining appropriate treatments and understanding their root causes.

Addressing these hush-hush issues can lead to a more convenient and enjoyable sports experience. So, never worry about an emergency loo stop during your run or cycle ride… because the joy of sport triumphs any bother!

Products Designed To Address Female Health Taboos In Sports

Here are a few products specially designed to ease these sports-associated discomforts:

• URALIX: A herbal supplement that targets urinary tract infections without needing antibiotics.
• The Leg Master® Total Body: This bodyweight machine not only helps strengthen the pelvic floor but also gives you a complete body workout and improves posture.
• Liv Signature Bib Shorts: A super padded pair of shorts designed to minimize chafing and saddle soreness.
• Juicy Pedlar Raw, Cold-Pressed Cranberry Juice, and Ginger Shot: The anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries and ginger can help maintain urinary tract health.
• Paceline Chamois Butt’r cream: A non-greasy cream aimed at areas that tend to chafe during workouts.
• INNOVO Pelvic Floor Trainer: This trainer uses electric muscle stimulation to help tighten your pelvic floor muscles. It delivers 180 kegel contractions in just over half an hour!

women’s health, active women, sports-related health issues, pelvic floor exercises, urinary tract infection prevention, bladder health, blisters, saddle sore, chafing, skin soreness, female hygiene, pelvic floor health, riding comfort, women’s wellness, hormonal changes, charting health taboos, sportswoman comfort, vaginal health