my crotch has been injured from riding

[butterflysaddle]

Please, someone help me figure this out. I'm afraid to go riding again. I've only been riding for 6 months total, both mountain and road bike.

6 weeks ago I went on a 20 mile ride, then two days later a 30 miler where I got caught in the rain. Within one week I thought I had a yeast infection, and to make a long story short, over the course of the next four weeks I have been to two doctors (ob/gyn and family doctor), being treated for a yeast infection, a UTI and two bouts of bacterial vaginosis. Both doctors said this stemmed from cycling.

I have ridden my bike once in 5 weeks trying to get all of this healed up. I had put Monistat in my bike shorts before the ride and still had problems. Someone has recommended Chamois Butt'r. I also bought a $125 pair of Pearl Izumi 3D PRO shorts which I have been told helps, something about a nanoparticle chamois crotch?

My seat has now been adjusted downward slightly on the road bike. I don't think there is anything I can do about the seat on the mountain bike.

I have two questions:

- Is there any further I can do to prevent this from happening again?

- Won't Chamois Butt'r hold in moisture making me more likely to get a yeast infection?

Please, people, help me. I'm new. I don't know what I'm doing. I love biking and my crotch is afraid I'm going to have to give it up.

[Biciclista]

how old are you?

[butterflysaddle]

how old are you?


36.

[Biciclista]

I wanted to make sure you weren't having menopausal issues; so no, you're not.

All I can suggest is super good hygiene, and perhaps a professional bike fit?

if you're sitting on the wrong parts of your crotch, you're going to get hurt; that's the bottom line here.
Chamois butter does hold in moisture, but that saves tissue from being rubbed raw and irritated.

You also might get a different saddle. There are lots of good suggestions in the saddle threads. Good luck.
Be patient, others WILL comment here.

and welcome to TE btw.

[alpinerabbit]

Umm...

don't use too much "stuff" down there. Don't prevent with antimicrobials. Keep clean but don't use too much soap. It kills your flora.

Keep your shorts meticulously clean, this stuff needs to be clean so mine goes in the 40°C. That, or some antibacterial handwash there would not hurt. But not on yourself!!

Avoid friction (yes, pointing saddle down is good, but don't overdo it or you'll have too much weight on your hands; I assume your name impliesl you are riding a cut out saddle), and avoid sitting around in tight shorts much after you've ridden.

Restore your flora - lactobacillus capsules or yoghurt?

Peeing: someone I know who had recurrent infections was told by her doc to not go to the bathroom constantly, but wait until you're quite full, and then go - really flushes you out.

[Zen]

I wanted to make sure you weren't having menopausal issues; so no, you're not.



Not necessarily.

[butterflysaddle]

Thanks for the welcome!

And yes, I have a Terry saddle. I have had several professional bike fits. Think I'll request another one and just be honest with the guys at the shop about what my problem area is.

What should I do about the Chamois butter/Monistat stuff? What should I be putting in my shorts?

[butterflysaddle]

Also, is it possible to take too much acidopholus? I'm afraid I may be taking too much.

[Biciclista]

i don't put anything into my shorts except me. I do use chamois butter directly where I need it the most.

by "take acidophilis?" you mean orally. No, it's a food. i don't think you can take too much,well gallons of it?

[Lakerider]

I was having alot of crotch pain. I now have an "easy seat" and love it. Nothing touches the crotch!
9591

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Butterflysaddle-
At the risk of getting disagreed with....I'm going to suggest to you that perhaps you would benefit from eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and more protein in your diet.
When I was in my 20's I used to get lots of female problems including stubborn recurring yeast infections. My gynocologist kept giving me medicines and acidophilus etc, but it would keep coming back.
I went to a different gyno doctor- a very very OLD German woman doctor. After listening to my complaints she had me write down what I'd eaten for the past week as best I could. I had been eating mostly junk and processed convenience food. I was also smoking and drinking too much, which made things worse.
She then gave me a huge lecture about how my body would never be able to fight off these infections on its own until my diet improved a great deal. She gave me strict orders to eat 3 fresh fruits and 3 fresh veggies every day, and a certain amount of protein as well. She really laid into me and scared me into following her instructions! After that my yeast infections and other gyno problems went away and I think I've gotten one since then (I'm now 55).

In any case, I just thought I'd mention it as another weapon to battle yeast infections. Don't underestimate the health power of lots of good fresh produce and protein! :)

[sarahspins]

An obvious question... are you wearing clean shorts every time you ride?

Also, don't discount the hormonal possibility just because you're younger.... as our hormone levels change during our cycles, it does leave our parts somewhat more susceptible to infections and with a lesser ability to heal if they already have one.. so your body may just not have enough change to catch up before it basically deals itself another blow (estrogen levels drop just before your period, and stay low through the first part of your cycle, so if you notice it getting worse around that time, it may be why). Estrogen supplementation may help, and it's something worth asking your doc about if nothing else seems to be helping.

I'm only 28 and I've had to use estrogen to fix things down there (not cycling related, but I was still miserable!).. so it happens :o

[shootingstar]

Butterflysaddle-
...When I was in my 20's I used to get lots of female problems including stubborn recurring yeast infections. My gynocologist kept giving me medicines and acidophilus etc, but it would keep coming back.
I went to a different gyno doctor- a very very OLD German woman doctor. After listening to my complaints she had me write down what I'd eaten for the past week as best I could. I had been eating mostly junk and processed convenience food. I was also smoking and drinking too much, which made things worse.
She then gave me a huge lecture about how my body would never be able to fight off these infections on its own until my diet improved a great deal. She gave me strict orders to eat 3 fresh fruits and 3 fresh veggies every day, and a certain amount of protein as well. She really laid into me and scared me into following her instructions! After that my yeast infections and other gyno problems went away and I think I've gotten one since then (I'm now 55).

In any case, I just thought I'd mention it as another weapon to battle yeast infections. Don't underestimate the health power of lots of good fresh produce and protein! :)

Very interesting, Bleeckerstgirl on how much whole foods (or eating foods closest to their natural state) can affect a women's internal functioning. A great message to spread to many other women.

Butterfly: Some of us are abit different in what we wear/do when we cycle for our own comfort. Do you always cycle with padded shorts/tights? If it's a shorter distance, you may not need to wear them, but must change panties after each ride.

+1 about making sure the saddle is properly positioned.

I agree about not wearing tight shorts or pants tight in the crotch after you ride. My jeans, dress pants and walking shorts are not skin tight in the crotch. I've wondered how some women can stand it, with super tight jeans..

[malkin]

I know people who swear by their vinegar drinks. Buy the health food store kind "with the mother."

[colby]

Butterflysaddle-
At the risk of getting disagreed with....I'm going to suggest to you that perhaps you would benefit from eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and more protein in your diet.
When I was in my 20's I used to get lots of female problems including stubborn recurring yeast infections. My gynocologist kept giving me medicines and acidophilus etc, but it would keep coming back.
I went to a different gyno doctor- a very very OLD German woman doctor. After listening to my complaints she had me write down what I'd eaten for the past week as best I could. I had been eating mostly junk and processed convenience food. I was also smoking and drinking too much, which made things worse.

I've heard this, too - eating a diet heavy in yeasty bread (especially white bread) and sugars just feeds yeast infections, encouraging MORE yeast to grow than you normally want to have around, and feeding it with lots of sugar. I think I saw it on "You Are What You Eat" where she of course takes a super-radical approach of diet change for 6 or 8 weeks, but I think some subtle changes might be a little easier to stomach. ;)

[butterflysaddle]

You ladies are great with the advice!

I always wear clean shorts and always wear the padded shorts (mountain or road bike rides). I eat so many fruits and veggies, some would be disgusted to learn I like shredded carrots cooked in with my oatmeal. :) I could use more protein, though. I don't eat beef at all.

Do you guys think I should try Monistat and Chamois Butter or one over the other? I'm afraid the Chamois butter will hold in moisture making me more likely to get a yeast infection in the first place.

[Crankin]

Monistat and Chamois Butt'r have 2 different purposes. The Butt'r is for lubrication, to reduce friction. I would not recommend putting it on your girly parts; there are lots of threads about this.. I put it on my rear or in the crease of my legs. However, i have replaced it with Body Glide.
Monistat is for curing yeast infections. Are you talking about the cream that you can use on the "outside?" I use that AFTER a ride, when i am freshly showered, only if I am having a particular problem. You shouldn't be using the Monistat that is used internally every time you ride!
In the spring, I have sometimes have this issue. I get a UTI from riding a lot, ramping up my miles. Then, the cure for that gives me a yeast infection. Last year I had a BVI (the worst), too.
So, this year, I upped my yogurt intake in March. I had to use the external Monistat cream for a week or so; I thought i had an infection, but I went to the doc and it was just "itching." I am hyper vigilant about getting right out of my shorts; I ride with a group once a week and I always bring shorts to change into if there is a lunch at the end. No one else does, which surprises me. I wash my shorts in hot water and hang to dry. Things have been much better.
And I second the suggestion that it might be hormonally based.

[butterflysaddle]

I read somewhere you can prevent yeast infections on rides by using Monistat externally as a sort of lubricant. I've also read that some people use it internally, one dose, after a long ride. Are any of these a good idea?

[uforgot]

Hi Butterflysaddle and welcome to the forum. I noticed that this is the only place you have posted. Why don't you go over to the Getting to Know You Thread and introduce yourself to us! It's a great forum with lots of good advice in many areas.

[butterflysaddle]

Hi Butterflysaddle and welcome to the forum. I noticed that this is the only place you have posted. Why don't you go over to the Getting to Know You Thread and introduce yourself to us! It's a great forum with lots of good advice in many areas.

Sorry! Where's the getting to know you thread? I'm not seeing it. Only "new riders"???

[sgtiger]

butterflysaddle, welcome to TE.:)

I personally wouldn't use Monistat as a preventative or a ride lubricant. Using it frequently will lead to the yeast strains you carry becoming resistant to it and becoming meaner and nastier. So that when you actually have a full blown infection, the over-the-counter treatments will be ineffective.

I'd go with the chamois cream unless you're allergic to any of the ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, consider a personal lube or diaper rash cream. They will cut down on chaffing. In my experience, I have less problems with vaginal infections when there is enough lubrication down there whether it's my own natural stuff or outside help. The other thing is to not use any harsh soaps that strip all the natural lubricating oils on your skin. Maybe try a mild lotion cleanser when you bathe and right after your rides. If a showering facility won't be available at the end of your ride, you could try carrying baby wipes and clean change of clothes to get out of your shorts.

[uforgot]

Sorry! Where's the getting to know you thread? I'm not seeing it. Only "new riders"???

No need to apologize! It's the sticky at the top of the Open topic (Cycling-Related) thread.:)

[surgtech1956]

I'm 53. When I got back into riding, and had been riding about 2 weeks, I got a raging UTI and soreness. I realized that my saddle when tipped up a bit. I also sweat alot. I believe someone here told me to go to the bathroom as soon as I'm done riding, plus I get out of my 'sweaty' clothes. Haven't had any issues.

[HappyTexasMom]

I read somewhere you can prevent yeast infections on rides by using Monistat externally as a sort of lubricant.

Be aware that Monistat makes different products. One is to treat a yeast infection. Another is sold in the same area of the store (or at least that's how I've seen it), but it's sold for external use to reduce chafing.

This is the stuff for chafing:
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp139254_333181_sespider/monistat_soothing_care/chafing_relief_powder_gel.htm

Incidentally, I first heard about the anti-chafing stuff on a mineral makeup board...a lot of people over there use it as a makeup primer. I've only used it for that a couple of times, but I can see that it would be good for chafing...it glides on very smooth and not greasy at all (hard to explain). I'm not sure if it's meant to use close to girl bits, though, you'd have to read the label to be sure.

[cylegoddess]

Ive used plain apple cider vinegar, mixed with warm water as a douche( Only on the very rare occasions I have had yeasties bothering me, a douching isnt too good for you.)
It can sting, so make sure you dilute it. It clears any yeast infection up overnight. Monastat doesnt work for me.

[KnottedYet]

I used to get a lot of UTIs.

Switching to a saddle that fit (so I wasn't "sitting" on soft tissues or jamming and abrading them) and getting rid of chamois (again, not jamming anything into the soft tissues and, most importantly, not sitting on sopping wet fabric) solved it.

I have very wide sit-bones and sweat like crazy. My body cried out for proper support and quick-drying breathable thin fabric, so this was the solution for me. These days I can do a 50 or 60 mile ride with no chamois on an unpadded saddle and be happier than I used to be after doing a 20 mile ride with padded shorts on a padded saddle. (Brooks B67 saddle $105 and UnderArmour compression shorts $25)

If you can figure out the cause, you will find a solution. Everyone is unique. Don't be afraid to try something that seems counter-intuitive. Hang in there!

[butterflysaddle]

I just had my first short ride after 6 weeks of these issues and survived! Have to say, I just got a pair of Pearl Izumi 3-D pro shorts, and they are so comfortable. I could feel the air flow with the fabric weave. It felt much more breathable than my other shorts.

I didn't realize there were different types of Monistat. That may have been where I misunderstood. Thanks for all of your help on here, ladies!

[tulip]

Make sure you get out of your shorts right away after your ride. Yes, that may mean changing in your car if you are on a club ride, but it's worth it. Just park a bit farther away and bring a towel. Hope you get lasting relief soon.

[shootingstar]

These days I can do a 50 or 60 mile ride with no chamois on an unpadded saddle and be happier than I used to be after doing a 20 mile ride with padded shorts on a padded saddle.

Well, actually I don't wear chamois shorts/tights at all. But obviously I'm the minority here. I'm not normal, I know ever since I returned to cycling, years ago. :p I probably seem like a freak to many here. :rolleyes: But I am a woman! :)

And yea, this means for rides that are cycling for 100 kms. in a day.
I get yeast infections, hmmm...once a year or less. I average several thousand kms. annually.

It works for me, and for for others, it might work for alot shorter rides.

[Triskeliongirl]

2 things to consider are saddle height and width.

I was having a terrible time on my terry butterfly, because it wasn't wide enough for my sit bones, so even with the cut-out, my soft tissues were supporting my body not my sit bones. Then, I had it a tad too high, so those tissues were getting sawed at with each pedal stroke. Not pretty.

For me, the solution was a Brookes Finesse Saddle, adsjuted so the nose is level, but that means the rear is quite a bit higher.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Other stuff that has been mentioned like diet and hygeine is important too. For me, I got way less UTIs once I got my blood sugar under control. If you have sugar in your urine, that will encourage bacterial growth. I do swear by chamois butter, and even though I am pre-menopausal (or peri) estrogen levels do decline with age so I find it helps to use a vaginal estrogen cream once a week. Ask your doc to check your estrogen levels, and see if your soft tissues show signs of weakening estrogen.

[beccaB]

Back in the 80's it seems to me, that every time I went in the bike store the chamois shorts had real chamois in them, meaning the kind of sheepskin that comes from real sheep. I haven't seen any of those recently, and I wonder if it would help? I don't even know if those are made anymore, or if it would be prohibitively expensive. It seems like a natural material would alleviate some female issues. Also, I try to not get any soap directly onto that area when I shower, just because it might get irritating. I did a century yesterday, and I used chamois buttr for the first time. I think I am probably less chafed than I might have been, but I still fell like someone dragged me through the sand! Not on any real important parts, but where my underwear seams are hitting it today.

[OakLeaf]

There's a reason they don't use natural chamois any more, and it's not just the painstaking care it requires. That stuff was awful for chafing.

Shorts designed for indoor cycling usually have a pretty minimalist chamois. I really like my ancient Terry shorts with the fuzzy cloth pad. Lots of people prefer "spinning" shorts for their outdoor rides, too - the only drawback is that the inseams tend to be shorter, too.

[tulip]

I spent years in wool cycling shorts with real chamois. It was horrible. The chamois dries out and feels like cardboard covered with sandpaper. It takes alot of care to keep it supple and I can't remember what I did nor didn't do, but the result was terrible.

Like everybody else said: Cleanliness (but don't use antibacterial soaps and don't overwash), getting out of your shorts right away, and having a the right fit and right saddle are the most important. Also stay away from sugar (hard one for me, as I have a huge sweet tooth), drink lots of water, not just sports drinks, and of course general very good nutrition.

[sundial]

For me, the solution was a Brookes Finesse Saddle, adsjuted so the nose is level, but that means the rear is quite a bit higher.


Is this on your zippy bike? I am having problems with my Brooks Flyers S on my Roubaix. It seems that my zippy bike geometry means less comfort in the saddle. I've got the nose tilted down a wee bit( about 2 mm from level) and I feel the pressure on my wrists now. :(

[Triskeliongirl]

Is this on your zippy bike? I am having problems with my Brooks Flyers S on my Roubaix. It seems that my zippy bike geometry means less comfort in the saddle. I've got the nose tilted down a wee bit( about 2 mm from level) and I feel the pressure on my wrists now. :(

Yeh, even on my cervelo RS I have a brooks finesse. Its on a super laid back seat post (look ergopost 2), cuz the rails are a bit short, but it works for me. I also have a shallow drop bar (3T ergonova team), and I don't have a very aggresive position, i.e. my bars are nearly level with the nose of my saddle.

[Onix]

So...I realize you made this post a while ago...but.... I stumbled upon it today (new member), and wanted to throw my two cents in. I used to get Yeast/UTi/BV ALL the time a year ago. Luckily, I haven't had one in quite some time. Much like you---once I got one---it was really hard to get rid of.

Preventatively, I have started using baby soap in the shower to wash---neutral (not acidic or basic, so it won't throw off your personal vaginal PH/kill the flora/fauna).

Yeast infection: i had another friend who had chronic yeast infection have great success with the use of garlic. She ate a lot of it---and also inserted it vaginally for a few hours wrapped in cheese cloth. It fixed her up well and killed her cycle of continual infection.

Garlic didn't work as well for me, but preventatively, douching with a baking soda/water mix anytime I start feeling any type of internal comfort/itching has 99% of the time kept me from developing any type of full infection. A gyno recommended this to me once, and it is a life saver! I know usually douching is bad (and even this can be overdone probably)....but.... this has been great. I rarely need it now---but....when I do--it works really well.

HOpe things have cleared up for you!

[butterflysaddle]

How much baking soda and how much water?

[Dogmama]

I used to get infections a lot at your age. Finally had a gyn tell me that after my ride, get into the shower ASAP & wash with mild soap. Then dry the entire area with a hairdryer (big hint - use the cool shot button! :p). You might have to put one foot on the sink to get at everything - I mean really really dry. Then put on some loose shorts & go commando (without underwear) as long as you can.

Works for me.

[Dogmama]

I spent years in wool cycling shorts with real chamois. It was horrible. The chamois dries out and feels like cardboard covered with sandpaper. It takes alot of care to keep it supple and I can't remember what I did nor didn't do, but the result was terrible.


Oh man - I remember the "real chamois." I never could get it supple again. Horrible. And they were men's shorts because that's all I could find. We're talking B.I. (before internet) when I had to rely on my LBS - run by adolescents would sneer when I walked in. Also used men's shoes because you couldn't find women's shoes.

And now we have T.E. - who'da thunk it?

[WindingRoad]

I too realize this thread is a little old now but I have a suggestion to anyone with this problem that is a homeopathic remedy. If you take a small spray bottle and put water (a cup and a half) and about a teaspoon of tea tree oil in it, shake it and spray it on your girl stuff before, after whenever you feel that nagging tingling or itching feeling. It will help and it is a natural antiseptic so it keeps things from getting irritated.

[cylegoddess]

Yeah that tea tree works really well, as good as vinegar!
Oh and nest shorts in WORLD - skins womens cycling ones.