Lemme Tell You About My Vagina

Its been long enough.  I have neglected this blog a bit because of my personal emotional issues and commitments as a mother. Things are starting normalize in my chaotic life.  I can't think of anything better to talk about than my vagina.

Don't stop reading now.  You knew this post was about my vagina when you clicked on it and perhaps, you was such a pervert that you thought I'd do some typical hippie shit like show you my burning bush and proclaim that I did it in the name of art.  Oh no, my frisky little friends.  Sadly, this is not why I want to talk to you about my vagina.  In fact, I want to be really TMI and tell you about all of the shit that people Google search about in the running/fitness community before contacting their doctors.  I'll try to be short, even though I can be long winded as fuck:
​

---

1.  Why Is My Vagina Leaking?

So glad that you asked!  It's very common for high intensity exercise nuts come across a bit more vaginal discharge than normal.  The act of running isn't necessarily doing this but the intra-abdominal muscle might be responsible.  Don't believe me?  Check out this article on Runner's World.  I Google searched for you.  Don't say I didn't give you anything.  You're welcome.

2.  Bruh, my vagina is itchy as fuck!

Really Tay, really?  Yup.  Really.  So here's some shit that you guys probably don't want to read but high intensity exercises like running, can actually bring on more cases of yeast infections and throw your pH balance out of wack. 

As a marathoner, ultra marathoner and obstacle course racer for roughly 4 years, I am learning so much about my body that I wish at times, I can unlearn.  My gynecologist has become one of my BFFs (and this dude is dope as fuck) because I contact him for every strange question known to man.  Through him, I learned that an increase of discharge can occur when performing high impact routines.  

Don't get your panties in a bunch, my loves.  It just means that we need to be extra mindful about changing out of our wet clothes after a run.  Another thing to keep in mind is investing in Dri-Fit products, as I found them to be exceptionally helpful, especially on long runs and events.  Commuting home with no place to change and traveling on public transit for a hour is not cute nor does it feel good on my lady lumps.
​

3.  But I'm burning...

So you thought only your thighs could chafe.  Shit, I have experienced chafing at my underarms, loss skin on my boobs after the Chicago Marathon, encountered friction burns that have cut into layers of my skin so why can't my el gato get some chafing action?  

I'mma get all extra on y'all:  So there was this one race in June 2015.  I feel like it was one of my 10K with New York Road Runners.  I was keeping up a comfortable 12 minute pace and my stride was spot on, as I was on my typical Weekend Warrior shit. Around mile 3, I felt this irritation that was becoming a growing nuisance.  While uncomfortable, I disregarded it until I reached home and took a shower.  My exceptionally disrespectful shower head told me that I needed to check the side of my labia majora (the outer lips) from this sharp, burning sensation.  Turns out I was chafing from the cotton underwear.  Dri-Fit, a shower and Vasoline became my friend and saved my life.
​

3A.  Prevention Techniques for Vaginal Chafing

Here's some prevention techniques to look into:

1. Oh BodyGlide is my friend baby.  
2. After a workout, purify your body in Lake Minnetonka (or maybe your shower).  Clean your body thoroughly as soon as possible.
3. Lube up with unscented, pure coconut oil, especially if there's chafing is present.  It helps.
4. Hydration may sound like an old wives' tale but it's true.  Your body will show you in more ways than one if you're not hydrating properly.
5. Wear compression clothing.  Loose fitting clothing sounds nice but you want to avoid cotton materials AND clothing that will rub back against you.  

​

4.  There's a strange looking bump talking to me.

Encountering ingrown hairs and bumps are the fucking worst guys.  I like to keep "her" trimmed at all times, if not hairless.  I know some of you are not with the baldie 500 club but trimming down the fur could help a bit.  

If you ever come across a bump or cyst, try cleaning the area, using a compress to reduce swelling and if pus appears, make sure it's drained, cleaned off in a sanitary manner and apply vaginal safe ointment onto the area.  If the bump/cyst looks severe, talk to your doctor about drainage.  There's been a few times where I saw an ingrown and used my sanitized tweezers and plucked an ingrown.  You won't get me today, bitch.  

NOTE:  Use your discretion with popping a bump, as it can get infect your bloodstream if it's not completely drained.  Your doctor is your friend.  Hit them up baby.

5.  Leaky Vagina?

Unfortunately, it happens to some women...and frankly, it can be annoying and embarrassing.  For my male readers, please don't think that a woman is just running a trail leaking an enormous amount of liquid.  Extra discharge can occur from high intensity workouts but sometimes, it happens from urinary incontinence.  Kegals can certainly help but I encourage you to do your own research or talk to your doctor.  
​

6.  Sore Vagina

Stop it, you filthy animals.  It's not from rough sex.  Typically a complaint of this nature may come from cyclists but I figured I'd add this one on the list for my triathletes and cross training freaks.  Sitting down on a bicycle seat for prolonged periods can certainly hurt your love muffin.
​

7.  Prolapse

Although it's kinda rare, it can happen.  If you are interested in learning more about vaginal prolapse, try this WebMD article for more info.

Don't be surprised if your doctor tell you to avoid leg lifting exercises and certain abdominal workouts if you fit into this category.
​

WTF Bruh

My intentions was not to scare you from running or doing physical activity.  Gross you out?  Not really.  

I find that a lot of people struggle discussing the TMI topics with their friends or with people in the community.  In turn, I wanted to stimulate a conversation about vaginal health in relation to fitness.  It may be taboo to talk about such things but women (and men) should feel liberated and okay with learning about the body.  This includes the downstairs region at times.  Weird things happen to our bodies every single day and with my extreme personality, I research like no other.  

If you have a topic that you feel may be a bit TMI but you're curious about it, shoot me a line or seven in my inbox or email:  [email protected].  Perhaps I can help you and of course, I'll keep you anonymous  if you don't want to be referenced in an article.