Q:Vag pain, pads and cycling shorts

[iamawarrior]

So ladies, here we go.
I recently bought cycling shorts with pads in them. I know that you aren't supposed to wear underwear with them for circulation purposes, so I didn't. But then my vaginal discharge got all over the lining of shorts. So this time, I decided to lay a pad over the lining so that the discharge wouldn't eventually discolor the lining, as it would with underwear, plus i'm just coming of my period, so I thought it would be wise. But, i just rode for hours and my vagina hurts like hell! particularly my vagninal lips. I dont know what to do! I never want to feel this burning, sore discomfort again.
Has this happened to any of ya'll? Should I just ride sans-pad and risk discoloration and/or blood? Tips? What do I do? Tell me your ways!
thanks,
--recently converted spandex biker

[kiwi girl]

Should I just ride sans-pad and risk discoloration and/or blood? Tips? What do I do? Tell me your ways!
thanks,
--recently converted spandex biker
that's what I do - most chamois actually rinse out pretty well anyway

[Dianyla]

If I've got light discharge I just don't worry about it, it always rinses out. For spotting and menstrual flow, I wear my MoonCup (http://www.mooncup.co.uk) or DivaCup (http://www.divacup.com).

[iamawarrior]

Yay! thanks for all the advice... I will definitely not wear a pad next time. Woooo!

[Geonz]

Anybody else who's going to see the coloring of my chamois lining ... welp, just better be able to deal with whatever colors are there. I don't sit and meditate on them myself...

[Eden]

Anybody else who's going to see the coloring of my chamois lining ... welp, just better be able to deal with whatever colors are there. I don't sit and meditate on them myself...

The chamios in my new shorts (Hincapie) is red - the boyz version is blue. I think its the first one that I've had that wasn't white.

[Nanci]

You can get some pretty major burning down there (feels like peeing razor blades) if you stop to pee when you are out on the bike and don't get everything absolutely wiped perfectly dry. Leftover urine can _really_ burn. It goes away a few hours after you are off the bike, though, and for sure by the next day. Drip drying is a _bad_ idea when cycling.

Nanci

[maillotpois]

The chamios in my new shorts (Hincapie) is red - the boyz version is blue. I think its the first one that I've had that wasn't white.

My Pearl Izumi 3D is a greenish and all my Castellis have been red. Assos is orange. My Shebeest pedal pushers are blue.

[Blueberry]

Most of mine are kind of a tan color - and if you do get discharge, just soak in cold h2o when you get home.

I had the burning problem and my doc finally diagnosed an *external* yeast infection. Not vaginal - just on the skin near the lips. Really odd. It had been giving me fits for months. I always shower immediately after riding, dry well, etc. Apparently it was just something my body couldn't quite get rid of alone. A week of an ointment and (knock on wood) problem resolved.

If you still get burning without the extra pad, could be a saddle or shorts problem, but I'd try a cycling specific lube first (e.g. chamois butt'r).

good luck!

[Nanci]

I know I am the only one in the world, but, with my Trashy Cat Black Satin shorts, with their perfect black chamois, one word: PANTIES!

I also would die before going commando in jeans or PJ's or anything else. It's just not my thing.

Gack, I frickin' HATE how after a while, favorite undies become Reserves, and, even worse, Period Underwear. That will NOT be happening to my precious cycling shorts. Eewwww.

[CR400]

When I am having my period I actually wear underwear with my shorts to hold the pad in place. I have tried to stick it right to the Chamois and with some almost embarrassing problems because of it. So I just consider it extra thick chamois for that ride. In my bike rides sometimes I get numb, sore, or have no problem just get used to my body isn't going to react the same every ride.

[RoadRaven]

Interesting - none of our chamois' are white
They are mostly a fawn/tan colour

We do have a few of the newer red and blue ones too.

If you are worried about the stains, then soak your shorts in a nappy cleaner (I use napisan - dunno what the various brand names are round the world)

I don't usually use this, and just wash in washing machine... but on occasion when I have period overflow (yes, had a smidgen happen last time despite my moon cup -it was my heaviest day, a looong ride over serious hills demanding serious exhertion -sp?) or alot of vaginal discharge.

But stains should only really be seen by you (I hang shorts on the line with the but side facing the centre of the washing line) and providing you have cleaned them well enough, then the stains will just be colour

[cornia]

i just wrote on this very subject thinking i was alone! have you found any more solutions that have worked for you, thanx

[Starfish]

I'm just smiling at how different we all are, and also how great these forums are that we can have all these kinds of discussions and get our own information needs met.

I cannot even really imagine, truth be told, caring one tiny iota if my chamois is stained in any way, as long as whatever stained it has been more or less washed away before my next ride.

Also, all my chamois are grey...never seen white ones!

[mimitabby]

Chamois butter works! especially for those of us over 45 I really recommend!!

mimi

[ACG]

I used to always wear underwear, not anymore. I have several differrent brands of short, they all wash very well. Sometimes I get numb and that is when I raise myself up above the seat maybe for 20 seconds, once this is done a few times the numbness goes away. Try everything, somthing has gotta work. Make sure your seat it adjusted properly too!

[nc23]

I'm a guy and came across this forum while searching for my own underwear questions.

First question - my wife doesn't have dedicated "period" underwear, so all of her underwear gets spotty. I'd like to suggest she retire some of her old underear to this special duty and not stain new underwear. Any suggestions on how I can do this discretely?

Second, where does the policy of not wearing underwear with bike shorts come from? Word of mouth? Both of us have been wearing underwear with bike shorts for years. It isn't ideal, but I'm not sure that no underwear is ideal either.

Thanks for the help.

[Tuckervill]

Buy her some new undies and suggest she save them for the off-days. It's ultimately her choice, of course.

I think the thing about no underwear with bike shorts comes from experience with chafing. I don't have any experience with chafing, because I just don't ride long enough distances, but I think it could happen. I don't wear undies under my bike shorts, though. If it doesn't happen to you, I guess you should consider yourself fortunate!

Karen

[li10up]

Hydrogen Peroxide will take any blood stain out - it's amazing.

NC23 - underwear under bike shorts shows some terrible looking "panty lines" and the elastic around the leg openings of underwear can score you pretty good, not to mention the seams in the underwear.

[Grog]

Second, where does the policy of not wearing underwear with bike shorts come from? Word of mouth? Both of us have been wearing underwear with bike shorts for years. It isn't ideal, but I'm not sure that no underwear is ideal either.

As others said: chafing is the major issue.

Second: bike short chamois is actually more hygienic for exercise than underwear. It manages perspiration (and my inner legs sweat A LOT during cycling), and is usually treated to be antibacterial. By adding another layer of fabric (especially cotton) between yourself and the chamois you actually diminish its capacity to wick perspiration away.

I know some people wear underwear under their shorts, but I think it totally defeats the purpose of getting shorts in the first place. I don't need the padding as much as I need to avoid anything causing friction between myself and the saddle.

[spazzdog]

Also, wearing undies under the shorts doesn't allow for the "normal" ventilation or "wicking" of sweat that occurs sans undies. The discharge washes out, and if a little discoloration remains, well... consider it "fading". Assuming the shorts are clean when you put them on,, they won't present a health hazard.

I would also check your saddle adjustment/saddle choice. If it's correct, you shouldn't be getting that friction buildup that causes the iritation.

spazz (who's been there)

[Dianyla]

First question - my wife doesn't have dedicated "period" underwear, so all of her underwear gets spotty. I'd like to suggest she retire some of her old underear to this special duty and not stain new underwear. Any suggestions on how I can do this discretely?

Well, there may be nothing she can do about this. I used to spot a lot (meaning: occasional light bleeding outside of normal periods) and pretty much all of my underwear is trashed. I do make a point of wearing only my shabbiest pairs during my period, but any pair that I wear on any given day is in danger of getting tagged. Buy her a bunch of black sexy panties, then you won't have to be bothered by the spots. :)

And while you're at it, I feel compelled to mention that you may want to check and see if your own underwear collection needs revising. From holes to threadbare elastic to yellow stains to skidmarks, my ex had no leg to stand on when it came to criticizing my stained undies. So there. :rolleyes:

[pikato]

From holes to threadbare elastic to yellow stains to skidmarks, my ex had no leg to stand on when it came to criticizing my stained undies. So there. :rolleyes:

LOL, no kidding. I don't get the yellow stains & skidmarks. For goodness sakes, women have more to wipe & you never see skids on our undies do ya??:p :D

[mimitabby]

discrete husband,
i don't think there's a discrete way of calling this to her attention.
Humanity is full of spots and stains, it's the way we are made and there's
not a lot we can do about it. as long as they don't show in public, who cares?

However, you can offer to buy her some
great new bike shorts and I'm sure she'll appreciate that!

Mimi

[Starfish]

Mimitabby, Pikato & Dianyla...Amen! :D

[tomgrrrl]

If I am riding more than 15 or 20 miles I always use chamois cream/butter whatever.....it makes a huge difference for me, comfort wise. I just slather it on before a ride....I also buy those little packages of it and have them in my camelback or jersey so that, if needed, I can add a little more midway through my ride. And for the record, I never wear underwear (when biking ;) )....

[jsgeneroso]

Hi All,

I have been using a menstrual cup for a few periods now. Its is a rubber/silicone (depending on the brand). Try keeper.com or divacup.com. During period i wear underwear and a panty liner only. If worn correctly there should be no leakage. I recenlty discovered that I can wear this on the bike and be pretty comfortable.

I'm into the whole no waste thing for menstrual products.

Cheers!

[Dianyla]

I have been using a menstrual cup for a few periods now. Its is a rubber/silicone (depending on the brand). Try keeper.com or divacup.com.
You're preachin' to the choir, honey! :D

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2010

[Bad JuJu]

Ahhhhhh, the joys of menopause! :D It has its downside, but it's pretty cool not having to deal with these monthly issues any more.

[slinkedog]

I got those "Instead" things. Work great. Haven't invested in a Keeper or Divacup yet, but I probably will soon.

[jsgeneroso]

You're preachin' to the choir, honey!

My bad. I didn't realize this had been posted already.

[Dianyla]

My bad. I didn't realize this had been posted already.
No no, there's nothing bad at all. I was just saying you'll fit right in here, and you might be interested in that other thread. :D

[RoadRaven]

Second, where does the policy of not wearing underwear with bike shorts come from? Word of mouth? Both of us have been wearing underwear with bike shorts for years. It isn't ideal, but I'm not sure that no underwear is ideal either.

Think the Giro... Le Tour...

Think all those pro and semi-pro female and male cyclists...
I am not aware of any of them wearing knickers with their shorts...

I developed my habit by following the experts' lead...