Women are making a mistake in the gym that could leave them with an agonising infection, doctor warns

Tight shorts and leggings may be perfect for working up a sweat in a spin class, but they could also be the cause of an agonising infection, doctors warn. 

That’s because post-workout activewear made from synthetic fabric is the perfect environment for harbouring bacteria.

And sitting around in your damp gym clothes for too long after a workout could be at risk of getting a condition called cystitis. 

Affecting as many as one in three women, cystitis is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI).

Pain, burning and stinging when urinating, as well as needing to go to the toilet frequently and urgently, are tell-tale signs of the infection. 

Cystitis occurs when bacteria enter your bladder through your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. 

This can happen if bacteria naturally-found in the rectum or vagina spread to the opening of the urethra.

Activewear is often made from synthetic fabrics that are not breathable, so when a person sweats that moisture becomes trapped providing the perfect breading ground for bacteria. 

Because leggings are also tight against the crotch, the urethra and surrounding area can come into contact with friction while exercising. 

This coupled with the sweaty and damp environment down below and possible dehydration, increases the risk of that bacteria spreading to your urethra and causing an infection in the bladder. 

‘Activewear, such as leggings, are tight against the crotch and allow little air flow, so bacteria can thrive there,’ explains Dr Catherine Hood Women’s health expert and advisor to Effercitrate Tablets, a brand of cystitis medication.

She added: ‘The materials that activewear is usually made from aren’t breathable. Synthetic fabrics such as nylon and lycra actually trap moisture which offers the ideal breeding ground for bacteria.’

However, this is only a problem if you stay in sweaty and damp gym clothes for too long.

So Dr Hood urged women to change straight after exercise to reduce the odds of this happening. 

‘To help prevent your activewear from becoming a burden, avoid lingering in sweaty kit for too long and change promptly after exercise,’ Dr Hood stressed. 

She also urged women to wash their genitals with water after working out, but added to avoid bubble baths, talcum powder and feminine wipes as these can cause irritation. 

Estimates suggest a third of women will experience cystitis by the time they reach the age of 24, however it’s more common during pregnancy, in women who are sexually active and after the menopause. 

There are several symptoms to look out for when it comes to cystitis. 

‘As well as burning or stinging when you pee, other symptoms of cystitis include needing to pee regularly, but passing only a little or no urine, cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine, pain in the lower tummy, incontinence, a high temperature and generally not feeling well,’ Dr Hood said. 

Mild cases will often get better by themselves within a few days.

However, some people experience episodes of cystitis frequently and may need regular or long-term treatment.

There’s also a chance that cystitis could lead to a more serious kidney infection in some cases, so it’s important to seek medical advice if your symptoms don’t improve.

Mild cases can be treated by drinking plenty of water, avoiding sex and taking paracetamol. But a GP can give a prescription for a three-day course of antibiotics if it persists.

Aside to promptly changing out of gym clothes, wearing breathable cotton underwear can also help, Dr Hood explains. 

She adds that ‘wiping front to back’ after peeing will help to avoid spreading bacteria into your urinary tract and vagina, as does washing your genital area before and after sex and emptying your bladder.

‘Try to empty your bladder after sex. Also, lean back on the toilet when passing urine and wait for the last few drops to pass out,’ Dr Hood said.

‘It’s best to avoid having sex at all whilst you have cystitis as sex can cause friction and irritation in the urethra, which is sensitive during an infection,’ she added.

Staying hydrated is also vital to prevent cystitis from occurring. 

‘Aim for two litres of water every day, including a big glass of water last thing before you go to bed and first thing when you get up, and also after sex,’ advises Dr Hood.

‘Drinking water will strengthen your pee stream and reduce the chances of bacteria managing to stick to the wall of your bladder and urinary tract. Plus, drinking plenty will ensure you pee more which helps to flush out bacteria.’