Ummm a female cyclist problem

[stumpy]

I have female cyclist problem. I am too embarressed to ask my friends if they suffer from the same thing so what better place to go for advice than to people I don't know.

Anyway, does anyone out there have a problem with being really sore in the female area after a long ride? After every ride, my sensitive private area is really raw. It is almost as if I kept going a blister would form. (No I don't have any STDs) Anyway, I just don't know what to do about it. I bought new shorts, new saddles for my road bike and my mtn bike. I have been professionally fitted on my road bike. I have repostitioned my saddles etc. I just don't know what to do. Are there any medications out there I could use before my ride to prevent it? Does anyone have this problem or am I the only one? Thanks for any advice anyone can give me and please don't answer with lude comments.....this is a serious problem for me.

Thanks.

[free spirit]

Try this:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=3921&track=overture_chamoisButtr

I found it helps with the longer rides. Just rub it in liberally onto your chamois. You might want to also pay attention to how you sit on the saddle. Are you sitting on your 'sit' bones or rolled to far forward?

Godd luck. I'm sure thanita will have more info for you. :D

[Divscotty]

I have not had that problem but my seat is pretty level. Is the tip up too much on your seat? My seat is also split and the tip of the seat is not real hard either.

I have tried diaper rash cream for heat rash and it helps some but not enough really. By the end of the summer that will be my issue again I'm sure.

MBD

[stumpy]

Thanks for the chamoisButtr tip!!! It worked. I got some and used it for the first time yesterday. I went on a 67 mile road ride and wasn't in tears at the 30 mile mark like I usually am. Again, thank you sooooo much!! You have made my riding so much more enjoyable.

[thanita]

Whoo hoo! On the road and way off the back - but I've got to say all the suggestions were great. It's such a pain in the crotch - the right combination of saddle and chamois ALONG with saddle postion can make a world of difference. I've been using Body Glide as well on most rides, as when you're feeling it, you're already screwed (so to speak).

One additional suggestion - and this goes for most things on the bike - mess around with your seat position fore and aft as well as angle (I like mine pretty level, but that varies w/ taste). You may find the sweet spot - even if you're pretty comfy now, you may be more comfortable in another position. I'm started to change little things - seat height, stem angle, etc. on different rides - it's surprising how such little adjustments can affect the handling/feel of your bike (and you butt!).

That said, make sure your saddle isn't too soft - saddles that are too soft are actually death traps as they squish but don't support. Learned that lesson on a 186 mile ride. That hurt.

I also prefer a larger chamois (not necessarily thicker, just more coverage) - this seems to reduce friction for me. Hope this isn't tooooo late to help - a topic I've mulled often!
Happy trails,
T

[ladybarnacle]

i've found that keeping the area trimmed--with clippers--really, really helps a lot.

[polly]

- and i have ended up with blisters... :eek:

Anyone know of any UK stockists for this magic butter stuff - sounds worth a try

cheers

Pol

[Cyclenaut]

Polly, roadie shops will probably be a good place to start. You can look for Assos chamois cream, same stuff really.

[polly]

thanks Chris - will do...


btw - you might want to change your signature for this kind of thread... LOL :p

[rOcKeTdOg]

Polly i'm pretty sure Cheltenham cycles stock assos chammy cream try 01242255414, ask for Alison or John and tell them i sent you

[Cordelia]

Hi, all
I'm new here but thought I'd just dive into this interesting thread with my own two cents!

been there. not fun. especially unfun after a waxing! or after sex....must wait a good hour or so. heh heh
I buy a lot of stuff from a local aromatherapist and use her Faerie Whispers oil. it's very soothing and light - doesn't clog pores....and contains lavender (a multipurpose antibacterial or whatever you call it) and chamomile (a very soothing antiinflammatory) It's excellent on recently waxed skin, and it helps a tremendous amount to avoid that burning feeling if applied before the ride!

namaste,
~Cordelia~