Chaffing long inner labia

[violetstar124.livejournal.com]

Hi all,

I've just started to accept and appreciate my long inner labia...when I started to train for a marathon. I tried tucking them in, but even after my first long run, the labia are sore and really tender. Any advice/suggestions? I really want to continue running and would hate for this to be a deterrent.

Thanks!

Comments

[zerobabies.livejournal.com]

Oil or lube them up. Add a pantiliner so it doesn't leak through your running clothes.

[violetstar124.livejournal.com]

Any specific suggestions? Would Vaseline work?

[mooselover13.livejournal.com]

I'd assume vaseline would be okay... I know that some runners use it on their thighs and butt-cheeks to help avoid chaffing there.

[zerobabies.livejournal.com]

Vaseline has a lot of "drag" because it's so thick. There's still a lot of friction. Wouldn't be my first choice.

[zerobabies.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't use petroleum jelly (an oil-based lubricant); it's not good for mucus membranes. Also if you use condoms for birth control, oil destroys condoms.

You could try a silicone-based lubricant. Silicone lube is more expensive than water-based but lasts longer. And it's intended to be applied to the genitals.

One brand is Wet Platinum (there are better ones out there, but I know that one is carried in major drugstore chains). Or order online from a shop like Good Vibrations, they'll have a much wider selection for you.

[iceblue-dragon.livejournal.com]

I had the same problem, and I had surgery to shorten them. No doubt this is the most controversial and 'extreme' measure you could take.

However, I have to say that the results have been exceptional. I don't ever experience pain or discomfort anymore, while before I did all the time, not just when running, but even just walking, or sitting, but especially during sex when I would have to hold them out of the way the entire time.

Where I live (Canada), this surgery was not considered cosmetic, but a legitimate medical procedure, so it was cost-free.

Of course it is totally up to you what you do with your body, just saying that in my opinion, this is a legitimate option that doesn't deserve the stigma it (very likely) has.

Besides this, you will probably get other advice. I just never found anything that really worked well enough for me, so I did this (but mine were exceptionally long, some of the longest my doctors had seen).

[jaguarx13.livejournal.com]

There are runner's 'glides' available for feet, thighs and what not to prevent chaffing. One of them might be useful.

[zerobabies.livejournal.com]

Might want to check with the manufacturer to ask whether it's safe for use on mucus membranes (like the genitals).

[jaguarx13.livejournal.com]

Absolutely.

[leeshers.livejournal.com]

http://www.time-to-run.com/tips/chafing.htm

This is a site that talks about specifically chaffing while running. Most runners also buy fitted running shorts which seem to help.