Soft Tissue/Urethral Irritation - HELP!

Hi everyone:

I'm pretty new to cycling...and although I'm getting into it with my husband who has been "off the saddle" for awhile...he's pretty experienced and has helped me a great deal....however....I am really struggling with irritation in the soft tissue area. Can anybody tell me or talk to me about irritation in the urethra? I came down with a UTI (urinary tract infection) shortly after my first couple rides and I'm still feeling irritated from my rides. I know I need to look into an anitomical seat, and make sure hydration is optimal, but I would really like to hear from those of you who have dealt with this problem.

Thanks,
Kathie

Read the "sore butt" thread...

wow, don't mess around with bladder infections. I hope you went to the doctor. Best thing to do it make sure you empty your bladder after riding, and drink loads of water.

I've never heard of UTI's related to cycling, but I used to get tons of them. There were two factors for me.... I was dehydrated a lot and didn't know it, and diaphragm use. I don't suppose any one uses those any more....?

Irulan

Don't know if it's the same thing as cystitus but apparently drinking Cranberry juice it meant to be good for you, plus not too much acid stuff like orange or grapefruit juice.

Re: diaphrams - a girlfriend of mine put hers out on a yard sale with a sign"used only once".

I would think that UTI's are a possibility, especially if you're hot & moist. The bacteria would have a good place to go. Also, the pounding might cause a non-specific uretheritis just due to trauma.

Drink water! Cranberry juice (unsweetened - not the popular cocktails) is good because there is an enzyme in cranberry juice that is beneficial for the bladder. Lay off of the coffee, tea, colas, etc and go for pure water.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Dogmama
Re: diaphrams - a girlfriend of mine put hers out on a yard sale with a sign"used only once".

I would think that UTI's are a possibility, especially if you're hot & moist. The bacteria would have a good place to go. Also, the pounding might cause a non-specific uretheritis just due to trauma.

Drink water! Cranberry juice (unsweetened - not the popular cocktails) is good because there is an enzyme in cranberry juice that is beneficial for the bladder. Lay off of the coffee, tea, colas, etc and go for pure water.

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I used one sucessfully for 17 years, I could never take the pill and this was before the new generation of stuff was introduced.
I second the cranberry juice... I recall that something in it helps to keep the bladder pH balanced properly.

Irulan

Hi Kathie,

I had this problem too until I switched to a saddle with a cut-out in it, which will not put any pressure on this delicate area. I use a Terry Butterfly saddle now and no longer have any rawness, irritation, etc. in this area. I still get some rash/rawness (plus the occasional saddle sore) along the sides (at the crease of my inner thigh and my crotch), but it's not nearly so misery-making as the alternative!

Try a new saddle, and make sure the bike shop will let you return it if you aren't happy with it.

Good luck!
Emily

Yes I still use a diaprhagm because I can't take pills.
I used to get UTI's something fierce.

Here is a strange thing that helps. After sex, (or I guess a long hot ride), drink loads of water and urniate as much as you can. Then pour cold water on your crotch. As cold as you can stand it.

sorry, i know its weird, but.... anything that works. right?

not weird at all... I was told millions of years ago to pee after sex, especially when using the diaphragm, as it flushes out any misplaced unfriendlies. AS for peeing after a ride... I drink so much that it happens anyway!!

geargrrl

AZO has a great vitamin like product. It is basically cranberry in a pill. It provides the same benefits of the cranberry juice without having to drink the stuff (if it isn't your thing).

Do you know the name of the "cranberry pill"? I hate cranberry juice and have a fair # of UTI's that are a direct result of diaphragm use. Cold water? Yipes that sounds unpleasant, is the cold water for right after sex or after you take the diaphragm out later?
karen