When Cycling Hurts – OUCH!
By Laurel-Lea Shannon
Cycling and male impotence is a familiar topic but we seldom hear about the long list of gynecological problems women cyclists can encounter.
It’s well known that time spent in the saddle can affect your sexual health. Male cyclists suffer everything from occasional numbness to erectile dysfunction and impotence. But what about women? Not much has been written about women’s soft-tissue issues. After hunting around, I located a European study published in the British Medical Journal (2003) that included women cyclists.
Professor Luc Baeyons, a gynaecologist with the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmen in Brussels, who specializes in sports medicine, found that numbness, skin infections, chronic swelling and lymphatic damage are common among female cyclists. Over 60% of his sample group reported genital discomfort.
Basic Anatomy
Your body makes contact with the saddle at three points: Points one and two, your sit bones, are also known as the ischial tuberosities. The third point is the soft-tissue between your legs. Whereas sit bones are designed to withstand body weight and pressure, the soft-tissue of your genitalia is not. During long rides, the pressure exerted on soft-tissue can cause painful skin irritation and constrict blood flow. This can deaden the nerves.
Posture Affects Pressure
In a study of both male and female cyclists, Dr. Sommer, a urologist at the University of Cologne in Germany, found that posture affects pressure and genital blood supply. The more stretched out you are on your bike, the more pressure you put on your soft-tissue and the greater the possibility of sexual health problems. The study found that a cyclist riding a bike with her body at 30 degrees to the horizontal can experience as much as 70% reduction in the blood supply to the genitals.
Common Problems
Vaginitis (crotchitis), bacterial infections and yeast infections are the most common vaginal problems that women cyclists encounter. Any one of these conditions can sideline you during the cycling season. But don’t despair, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent saddle sores and vaginal problems.
What To Do
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- Get the Right Saddle – Test different saddles for comfort. Adjust saddle height and the fore/aft position.
- Bike Fit – Take your bike to a cycling shop and have the mechanics check that your bike is adjusted properly to fit your body size.
- Padded Shorts – Get shorts with thick, seamless padding. Cycling shorts are meant to be worn without underwear.
- Use an Emollient – With clean hands apply a good emollient to your genital area and thighs to help prevent chafing. Find a chamois cream or jelly that works best for you. (Add a comment below if you can recommend a good product.)
- Practise Good Hygiene – Get out of your padded shorts as soon as you’ve finished your ride. Thoroughly wash and dry your crotch. Wash your padded shorts. NEVER cycle in shorts you haven’t washed.
- Go Vertical – Consider adjusting your bike stem and handles so your posture can be more vertical. Sixty degrees to the horizontal is recommended.
- Fidget – Move around on your saddle while you ride. Every 10 minutes, stand up in the pedals to give your “privates” a break from the pressure.
If vaginal problems persist or get worse, you may need to visit your doctor to find a solution.
Sources:
BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2991088.stm
63xc: http://www.63xc.com/willm/bike_sexhealth.htm
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Woo, as a medical health care professional, in women’s health no less! splitting and tearing sounds like a bit dramatic. By that I mean more then just the usual wear and tear we all go through. I would want you to get examined by a “trained professional” to be sure you don’t have something as simple as a yeast infection or something less simple . . .
hi, all your comments are good and helpful…but i was wondering…am i the only woman who actuall ‘tears/splits’ down there after a bike ride? help…what can i do ??
Morgan, after a glass or two of wine, when I do most of my online shopping! I purchased a pair of SheBeest shorts. Can’t wait for them to arrive and see if they are what I have been looking for. If so, I will be so thankful. All the other advise, good saddle, no undies, emollient etc., has been taken care of over my years of riding. This seam burn, irritation is the last hurdle.
Thanks again, Ann
I bicycled extensively in the 70s and 80s, wool shorts w/leather chamois, no padding. Avocett womens racing saddle, minimal padding. No pain. Just returned to the sport. Open minded, I tried new stuff. Today’s padded shorts and padded saddles HURT. 250miles trying different combinations with no avail. I ride pro style. My husband pulled an old leather saddle off an old bike (similar to a Brooks, no padding). That saddle and a pair of shorts w/almost no padding — pure HEAVEN. Review anatomy — all that delicate woman’s soft tissue disappears up the birth canal when you sit down, safely out of the way. If padded gear works for you, great, but how many women give up on the sport because they can’t get away from the pain?
I’ve been cycling for just about ten years (road bike) and after trying a few different saddles, am now happy with a Terry Liberator Race saddle. When I first started riding I used Chamois Butt’r, but stopped using chamois cream of any kind several years ago, except that I’ll put some on at about the 75 or 80 mile mark during centuries. :-)
I have a couple of pairs of Pearl Izumi shorts that for some reason always cause a sore – a friction burn, really – on my butt where the seam between the chamois and the short is. This happens every time I wear them for a ride (my shortest daily training ride is 20 miles). The chamois is fine, but the seams are a problem, so I really know where you’re coming from, asking about seams!
Not too long ago I got my first pair of SheBeest cycling shorts. The most comfortable shorts I have ever owned! The chamois isn’t very thick, but the seams are almost non-existent. (No, I do not work for SheBeest or any cycling shop. Just a happy customer.)
Above all, assuming your bike fits properly, two things: do not wear underwear with bike shorts, and take your shorts off after your ride if you’re not getting directly into the shower!
Does anyone know if there are shorts made with no seam between the chamois and the shorts? I always get my red scratch like, sore, bumpy bum right along that seam regardless of the lube used, position changing, good hygiene techniques used. Usually comes after a long sweaty ride. Thanks
I don’t know of any that have no seams, but there are a variety of shorts with seams in different places. It may help to alternate two or three pairs of different shorts, so that the irritation is minimized. For some more info: http://bicycleapparel.com/short.html
hola folks
i’m not a woman, but i help run a local triathlon club, and i permanently keep a couple women’s-specific saddles on hand to lend to women because saddle issues are the #1 comfort problem that seems to chronically plague women!
the one saddle manufacturer that i haven’t seen mentioned here – but that seems quite popular with several of the women i’ve ridden with over the last few years – is specialized. most people tend to think of specialized as a bike manufacturer first and foremost, but they’ve put a significant chunk of money into developing their OEM line of saddles, and they’re actually fairly sought-after as aftermarket components.
if you’re looking to try a specialized saddle out (but don’t happen to live near me to borrow one – i live in ottawa, ontario), specialized retailers have test saddles that you can borrow for a week or so free of charge — therefore saving you from having to buy saddles that may not actually end up working for you.
give it a shot if you’ve run out of other options, or just want to try something new to see if it would work better.
sidenote: i’m not a specialized employee, nor do i work at a bike shop. i just want to spread the word that there are some other good options out there! (selle smp and ism’s adamo are two other popular choices — although the adamo seems to be a “love it or hate it” kind of saddle)
happy riding!
Thank you everyone, and I thought it was just me. Lots of little tips to be getting on with and hopefully solving my tissue issues!
Hello all! I am a new cyclist. My problem is red/scaly looking bumps on my bum cheeks. Not very nice to look at! It’s not itchy or sore, and it looks like I scratched them but I didn’t. They are all over the area where the padding on my cycling shorts would be. I did a 2.5 hour ride.
What can I do to prevent this? I could use rash creams but it doesn’t really seem like a rash. I guess it is though. Also, would I apply those creams before I ride? Or would I apply something like Body Glide before I ride??? Any suggestions are welcome.
I also have very sensitive skin so that doesn’t help!
for a while I was getting some kind of cysts in the crotch area from riding – my doc said to wash with antibacterial soap and that cleared it right up. I also have very sensitive skin and usually can’t use stuff with fragrance in it, but haven’t had a problem so far with this.
HooHa Ride Glide… made specifically for women!
I have learned from my agonizing experiences that saddle nose is so dependant on your body symmetry, which is so different for everyone – for me, a very slight nose up works. Again something you have to experiment with!
I have been using an inexpensive vaginal lubricant (sold in the Baby Care section of pharmacies) called Live Clean(baby), and it has been the answer to my perineal discomfort on longer rides. It is a non-petroleum jelly for under $10.00. Great relief!
I wanted to update on my Selle SMP saddle; I no longer have any soft tissue issues!!! I used to be in tears for at least a week after a long ride – and could not participate in any other “activity” ;). All solved, the soft tissue issues were only an issue with the road bike, I guess it has to do with body orientation?
Thank you for this article! Crotch pain on the bike is a never-ending problem for me. Everyone says to change saddles but that gets really, really expensive! (Especially if you get them on-line.) And why are there no female bike fitters in my bike-crazy town? I don’t want to talk to a male bikie dude about my crotch. Anyway, can someone tell me where a woman’s weight is supposed to rest on the saddle? One fitter said the nose of the saddle should be up; the other said down. I’m so frustrated!!!
Dolly- Don’t listen to either of those fitter’s advice. Your saddle should be level front to back and side to side. you should literally put a level on the saddle to adjust it that way. Also- you should be sitting directly on your sits bones. Don’t know where they are? go outside and side on cement steps- back straight, feet down on the next step. You’ll feel two bones under you pressing into the cement- those are your sits bones. Make sure you are only putting weight on those bones as you ride. I ride on a Specialiazed ruby carbon saddle. It’s very thin with a cut-out. That’s what works for me. Good luck.
Dolly,
You can save money and help your local shop stay in business if you buy your saddles there. Ask if they will price match the saddle you found online. Also ask about the return policy. It’s common to get 30 days to try a saddle and still be able to get your money back.
Im back to report the solution i found for my reoccurring yeast infections and irritation. My dr. Perscribed dyflucan twice a week for 6 months to erradicate the yeast strain. I changed my saddle to a specialized ruby gel cutout. I use dznutz chamoi cream. If i get irritated a use a perscription steriod. The End. LOL.
I have been cycling for only about three months. At first I was fine, but the more I rode, the more pain I had. My “teacher” has just changed by seat and made some adjustments to my bike. I find that I have more pain now than before. It could be that my seat needs to be adjusted again. Or maybe a differnt type of seat.I usually have a burning sensation when I urinate for the first time after a ride.I actually had a tiny amount of blood in my shorts this week. I’ve been riding about 16 – 20 miles on Sunday mornings. I enjoy riding but if this continues, I will have to stop. I’ve read all the comments above and will incorporate some into my ride. Is this something like building a callus and it will get better with time?
Hi Carol
It sounds to me that several things are at work here:
- your saddle is the wrong type for you
- the saddle is not level
- your seatpost is too high or too low
- you are leaning too far forward.
I know that’s not much help is it? I might be able to help from afar (see questions below), but your best bet is to spend a few bucks and have a proper bike fitting done. your local bike shop should be able to recommend someone if they don’t offer it.
Okay, let’s try to find out what your problem is. Let me just start by saying I tried a dozen saddle over my first few years of cycling before I found the one that fit my butt. You’re lucky that there are so many more choices now than 20 years ago.
- What kind of bike you are riding – a road bike, mountain, hybrid, cruiser? Not sure, are the tires really skinny, fat and knobby or somewhere in between?
- What is the name of your saddle?
- How tall are you and what is your inseam (floor to crotch)
- What size is your bike frame? Measure from centre of top tube to centre of bottom bracket following the seat tube. If that’s too complicated, measure six inches from the nose of the saddle along the top tube. Okay, now measure from that point to the floor. It should be about an inch less that your inseam measurement.
Any chance you could send me a photo of your bike and then one of you sitting on your bike?
Don’t give up cycling!
I HAVE TRY TO WEAR MY SHORT WITH MY UNDER PANTY AND IT SEEMS LIKE ITS WORST HAVE ANY OF U GIRLS HAVE TRY THE CREAM ? OR WEAR THE SHORTS WITHOUT PANTIES ? .. ANY ADVICE ? THANKS
It is best not to wear anything under your shorts. Panties have seams that will irritate the skin and also hold in more moisture. The shorts pad has been designed to handle moisture. So no panties!
If you are riding more than one hour, then I suggest trying one of the chamois creams on the market such as Chamois Buttr or even Prep H, which reduces any inflammation.
Always wash shorts after each ride.
Hope this helps.
My solution has been to cut the padding out at the friction area and use a cutout saddle. No more labial chafing for me! Words cannot describe what a relief this is. Often, all that pillow padding just ends up rubbing and rubbing and exacerbates more than it helps. Not to mention the lack of air circulation.
I totally agree: I have been cutting padding out of all those bulky $$$$ cycling pants (long, 3/4, regular!!!!) and going without padding or using triathlon/spin specific pants. ah…. so much better than all that padding jammed between your legs.
Anyone have any suggestions for the best type of underwear to wear under bike pants? Or do I really have to do the professional thing and ditch the underpants entirely? So far just can’t bring myself to do this…
Natalie
Ditch the underwear. You will be so much more comfortable. The seams in the undies won’t bite into your skin and you’llbe able to ride longer. Just wash out your shorts after every rideand, if you cn, hang them outside to dry in the sun.
Ladies Selle Italia Gel Flow worth every penny ladies! I have on road and mountain bike – extremely comfortable!
I totally aGagree. I’ve tried more than a dozen saddle over th epast 20 years and nothing has been as comfortable and supportive as this saddle!
I had a Selle, had to get rid of it. My big bum/wide hips do best with the Specialized series, which kind of scoops up at the back to stop bum from flobbering all over ;)
Shea butter works well for chafing. If you shave the pubic area, avoid using the regular run-of-the-mill shaving creams and gels. Try organic shave products.
Try taking acidophilus daily to get rid of and prevent yeast infections. It is also good for your digestive system.
You all would do yourself a BIG favor by checking out the Selle An-Atomica Saddle–its like nothing else you seen or experienced. Check out the YouTube video of what it looks like to be on one–unique!
I,ve found a saddle that I like, but, it tends to pick up odor. I’ve had 2 of these saddles and I’ve had the same issue with both. I’ve tried everything and can’t seem to get rid of the smell. Any suggestions?
I’ve not heard of this problem in 20 years of cycling.
What is the brand and model name? Is it true leather? Are you wearing proper cycling shorts on it?
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Laurel-Lea Shannon. Laurel-Lea Shannon said: A Delicate Matter: Cycling and Genital Problems At one time or another, every cyclist has this owie: http://ow.ly/1J8iG [...]
I’ve been cycling for a little over a year now and I’ve had an almost constant yeast infection for the same amount of time. I change out of my shorts as soon as I get off the saddle. I wear pantiliners and wash my shorts every time. I’m at my wit’s end. Anyone else have this problem?
Hi Nicole: In her book, Bicycling for Women, Gale Bernhardt says there are many different reasons for yeast infections. The friction, pressure, warmth and moisture generated downunder by cycling, can aggrevate the condition. Gale recommends consulting with your doctor to find out what kind of infection you have and the best treatment for it.
Ditch the Pantiliners. Lots of them have perfumes or deodorizers which irritate and none of them allow your genitalia to breath properly.
In 20-some years of cycling, I’ve tried at least a dozen different women’s saddles.
One thing I’ve learned, if you have followed the advice above and know your bike fit is good, then try this. Ride for three consecutive days. If your crotch/butt still hurts on the fourth ride, then consider a different saddle.
If your seat bones hurt, the saddle mayneed to be wider; if your soft tissue is tender, try a cut-out model or one with gel.
The best I found to date is the Selle Italia ladies gel flow. I have it on both my road and mountain bikes. It is not cheap but it gives the right amount of comfort and support for even 100 km rides.
I bought a Selle Italia gel flow last year–well worth the money.
Knicks with a decent chamois and a good chamois cream are essential for comfort and prevention of chafing and other soft tissue issues. I’ve found the Assos chamois cream to be far and away the best product – it’s soothing as well as anti-bacterial. Feels a little slimy when first applied but you soon get used to it.
Best thing I’ve ever found and one I never ride without – Bag Balm.
i agree great stuff
Paceline Products’ CHAMOIS BUTT’R is the only anti-chafe emollient I use. It is FABULOUS. Doesn’t feel funky on the skin, and washes of skin and shorts easily.
Re: the item on genital problems. I have been having soft tissue problems. I am aged 66 and wondered whether my age had any bearing on the problem. I bought an Adamo saddle, which has an opening all along the nose of the saddle. It was fine for the soft tissue area, but oh my poor aching sit bones!! I have given up the Adamo and am back on my original Giant ladies specific saddle. The sit bones are now fine but I am back with the soft tissue issue!I am doing all the things in your tips section and find I am ok for about 20 miles. After this the soreness gets wearing.I wonder whether there is a fool-proof solution to this problem?
I had the same burning problem.I tried adjusting the saddle and nothing worked until I used a vaginal lube.The dryness is what caused my problem. Since I use the lube and some bag balm I haven’t had a problem.
Don;t give up! There should be a saddle out there that will solve both issues. Check with your local bike shop and ask if you can try a few different saddles to see what might work best. Wrap a bit of tape around the saddle rails so that you don;t scratch them when riding and it will look like new when you return it to the shop.
I tried the Adomo as well I went to the Selle SMP and I have never looked back. Given ur bike fits properly,I use a combo of products. Clean and dry crotch first then I use a thin layer of lantiseptic skin protectant found online @ bruce medical.com. then pace line Chamois buttr or hoo haa ride glide on top of the skin protectant. I keep a small container of the chamois buttr or hoo haa with me on the ride to use every time I pee. Immediately after the ride, I remove ride shorts and clean area with preparation h wipes. They help w swelling and hav witch hazel for bacterial cleansing. I put on loose fitting shorts or pants WITHOUT UNDIES to give the area time to breathe. Take a shower asap gently cleaning the area with acne soap (for prevention of ingrown hairs) after the shower I use boudreaux’s butt paste or bag balm. Next day u r ready to ride. I ride 200- 250 mi per week and this has worked best for me. I also have a Brooks saddle that I love.
For the emollient, I use Udderly Smooth–yes, that’s the name. It’s not greasy and works better than others I’ve tried. But even still, after 10 miles I’m feeling a burning sensation. I’ll try raising the handelbars and standing up.thanks for the column; I’ve been looking for solutions to this problem.
I have been saved by the Selle SMP saddle! I had all the above issues, and was considering either trying a noseless saddle or even selling my Madone – but this saddle has improved everything. I am looking forward to my first century in June.