Why does exercise cause gynecological inflammation in women?
Everyone knows that exercise is an effective way to prevent various diseases. However, recently, many female patients have logged onto the 120 Health Network to inquire: why do they experience symptoms of gynecological inflammation after exercising? The health consultant of the 120 Health Network (http://www.120.net/jiankangguwen/) provided a detailed answer regarding the condition. To help more women stay healthy, experts have summarized relevant materials.
Material One: Vaginitis
Summer is the most anticipated season for Lisa, who loves swimming. But this summer has been disappointing for her because she encountered an embarrassing disease - fungal vaginitis. Her vaginal discharge suddenly increased and had a strong odor. Despite applying perfume before going out every day, she still felt that the strange smell would come out. The gynecologist told her that she might have contracted this disease due to swimming.
Expert Answer: Fungal vaginitis is a transmittable disease. If you bathe in an unclean swimming pool or bathhouse, or rent public bathing items, it's easy to "pick up" this disease from others. A damp environment is conducive to the growth of fungi. If you sit around in a wet swimsuit, it's easier to attract fungi.
Material Two: Uterine Prolapse
Tao Li is a new mother. Her biggest concern was about her figure changing after childbirth, so she eagerly started a weight loss program in the fourth week postpartum. Running, weightlifting... she exercised without any restrictions as she used to. Soon, however, she felt unwell and found out at the hospital that she had uterine prolapse. The doctor warned her not to start postpartum weight loss too early, otherwise, it could trigger a series of gynecological diseases.
Expert Answer: The uterus is like a magical little house prepared by women for their babies. Once the baby is born, it begins to shrink back to its original state. Approximately six weeks postpartum, the uterus will have mostly returned to its original size. If postpartum slimming starts too early, especially with intense exercise, it can affect the recovery of the uterus, easily causing uterine bleeding, infection, and vaginal prolapse. Weightlifting training can increase abdominal pressure, causing temporary uterine descent and uterine prolapse.
How to Avoid Harm:
1. Postpartum slimming should not start too early: Mothers who have given birth naturally and did not experience major postpartum bleeding can get out of bed and walk around 2-3 days after delivery, do pelvic contraction exercises 3-5 days later, and two weeks postpartum, they can perform gentle gymnastics or stretching exercises. As for mothers who underwent cesarean sections, they can begin stretching exercises one month postpartum, and exercises targeting abdominal muscles are suitable 6-8 weeks postpartum.
2. Seek medical help for severe cases: Surgery to remove the cervix or tighten ligaments can treat uterine prolapse.
3. Do not over-exert yourself: Someone tested that when carrying a 20kg load, there was no significant change in the position of the cervix; but with a 40kg load, the cervix had a noticeable downward shift. Therefore, avoid overly strenuous exercises such as weightlifting.
Material Three: Menstrual Irregularities
Liu Chang and her husband are both members of the "obesity clan," often jokingly referred to as the "aircraft carrier fleet" when they go out together. Determined to lose weight, they purchased a fitness annual card and sweated it out there every day without interruption. After a year, Liu Chang saw significant results, reducing her weight from 64 kg to 52 kg. However, her weight loss brought a new problem: she missed several menstrual periods in a row. She thought she might be pregnant, but after a series of gynecological examinations, the gynecologist told her that she wasn't pregnant, but rather experiencing amenorrhea.
Expert Answer: Rapid weight loss can lead to amenorrhea. This is because being underweight can cause metabolic and endocrine disorders. Intense exercise inhibits the function of the hypothalamus, leading to abnormal functioning of the endocrine system, affecting the normal levels of estrogen within the body, and thus causing menstrual irregularities such as delayed menarche, infrequent menstruation, and amenorrhea.
How to Avoid Harm:
1. Don't rush your weight loss: Rapid weight loss can cause endocrine disorders. Even if your weight recovers later, endocrine functions won't recover quickly, leaving you in a low estrogen state for a long time. Long-term lack of estrogen can lead to issues like atrophy of internal and external reproductive organs and breasts, as well as osteoporosis.
2. Undergo estrogen-progesterone supplementation therapy: If you experience amenorrhea or other menstrual abnormalities, seek medical attention immediately. Under the guidance of a gynecological endocrinology doctor, undergo estrogen-progesterone supplementation therapy. Gradually restore the balance between androgens and estrogens and normal metabolic pathways by increasing fat tissue.
In summary, while exercising, women should also pay attention to hygiene and cleanliness, otherwise, they may easily contract bacteria. If you feel unwell and want to understand the specific situation of your condition but don't want to make a trip in vain, you can log onto the 120 Health Network (http://www.120.net/jiankangguwen/) to consult a health advisor. Wishing you a speedy recovery.