Saddle Discomfort and Lady Bits

Hi all,

I don't intend to get graphic with this discussion but I'm curious if anybody shares the same problem that I do....

I've never had a saddle that's been super comfortable but the Terry Butterfly that I've had the past 2+ years has been pretty good for me. I can't use a saddle without a cutout because it causes an immense amount of pain and I've recently come to realize that it's because I have very large labia majora. So the necessity of having a cutout is imperative because of the larger amount of soft tissue than the average female.

What really sucks about it is that the majority of women don't have this problem and it already stinks to be a female cyclist - having to sit on all of our parts! Men are so lucky because they can move it out of the way. I really feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place because there's nothing I can do with *mine* but sit....and deal with it.....

Does anybody else have this? I ask because I thought that I was just odd in that I would never find a comfy saddle but then I came to realize *why*. Forgive me for crossing the line but most days, it looks like I have little balls because they actually do hang down from my body a little. aaaahhhhhh :confused::mad:

hey you SAID you weren't going to get graphic.

The beauty of a saddle like my brooks B67 is you CAN kind of move it all to the side a bit.

Try the SMP saddle. It has a huge cutout - esp. the high end models. Many women say the women's model is too bulky (at the back & at the nose) - but they seem to like the men's versions.

Another alternative is the Specialized Jett - has a fairly large hole - but more importantly it's a firm saddle so you sit quite high on it (which reduces undercarriage pressure).

Finally I see there is a new model of Selle Italia saddle due for 08 (very nice, white & pink) which seems to have a big hole. I am very happy w/ the Jett - but I might just try the Selle Italia in search of saddle nirvana.

Best of luck w/ your graphic bits!

Have you tried the Terry Falcon X? The cut out is larger and shaped in such a way that it's very easy on the Lady Bits.

If you can tolerate it, try the Selle SMP Strike. It has the widest cutout I ever found. The problem is the wide cutout comes with the cost of a wide nose (and the lady strike supports wide sitbones, too). RoadRaven has a thread on it that is relatively recent.

When I first sat on the saddle, DH made a comment to the fact that the look on my face was pure glee. Woohoo, a saddle meant to just...uh...err...get out of the way where you don't want it.

I've been eyeballing Topeak's Allay line, but it doesn't look like it is really in production yet.

I wonder sometimes how many women who stop cycling do so because they can't find a saddle that works.

Equus, you are not unusual. I've met many women over the years who have more soft tissue than "normal." A combination of tight-fitting shorts, minimal chamois, and a cut-out seems to work best for this condition.

And not to drift too far, but I competed at a duathlon in November and a woman who was also racing came up to me (without knowing who I am or that I'm a cycling coach) and told me her life/athletic history, including about her labia-reduction surgery. yes, you read that right. she is an elite endurance athlete (RAAM, FC508, etc) and suffered from so much saddle discomfort that she had some soft tissue removed. the result wasn't flawless and she actually suffered some nerve damage.

A slightly more upright riding position might take some pressure off that intimate area and put more weight back onto your butt and sit bones.

I'm built like you, too. I'm pretty much okay with my Terry Liberator Ti Race, but it isn't completely ideal for me. I'd be interested to try something different, but I'm not unhappy enough to go through the expense and hassle. Yet.

Lots and lots of Chamois Butt'r, minimalist chamois (spin shorts work better than road shorts for me), and keeping the hair trimmed really short.

I'm right there with you anatomically and have had endless saddle issues that I just tolerate and deal with. I just switched to a Terry Butterfly and it's been the best fit for me so far, but I'm still not without some discomfort.

Yes, me too. How frustrating.

Thanks everybody for your fast input! I appreciate it and I'm glad I'm not the only one who has reason for not finding a comfortable saddle.

The one I currently own is starting to show signs of age and the padding is taking it's shape from my weight and use. I'll give all of these saddles a try and let you know which one I go with.

Thanks again!! :)

I can get some comfort from my Terry Butterfly saddles. I find that playing with the seat height and angle help to some degree. Just don't do a lot of adjusting- a micro bit at a time. Also handlebars should be lower than your seat by about an inch. This will put more weight on your arms and less on your sit bones.

I, as I am sure you do as well, move around on my seat and stand often. This will help.

Bike fit is essential here. It's all about geometry if you think about it (angles and such will change weight on saddle). If you haven't done that, I'd recommend a fitting.

Good luck!

I'll echo what everyone else has said. I prefer a cutout too. I don't know if my girly bits are especially large; I've never done a side-by-side comparison with anyone else!

Bike fit, seat angle, handlebar height, chamoise, etc. make a difference. I prefer the Sugoi RS shorts for whatever reason. The chamois works for me. Also keep in mind that saddles--like just about everything else on a bike--need to be replaced periodically. Saddles with cutouts break down even faster. I only got about a year out of my first Terry, which is consisent with what others have reported. Depending on how much and how hard you ride and the conditions you ride in, you may need to replace the saddle more or less often.

I had the same issue a couple of years ago when I got a new bike and the geometry of my position changed. In fact, when I went for my annual exam, the dr. said I had "lesions"she couldn't figure out from what. I knew immediately! I bought the Terry Falcon X also, and I have had no issues since.

I might think about trying the Falcon X. It's the same company and general size with the saddle I currently use. I would just be afraid going with another company altogether.

I'll update everybody once I get the new saddle. :) Thank you!

Mmm. I'm shopping for new shorts now. I'm pretty restricted in what I can buy because I'm an XL (Misses size 16 to 18).

I've been using Terry shorts but current pair "bunches up" to the left of the midline. Last couple of times that I rode--it didn't hurt when I was on the bike, but when I got off, for about 24 to 36 hours afterwards, it burned when I urinated and when I bathed. :mad: It only burns on the left side. Hence, I've been thinking it's the shorts, but the bike is new, saddle is new. I've been in for one fit adjustment and possibly need another, though I'm not able to ride enough right now to tell.

I have chamois buttr but haven't been using it on shorter rides (under an hour-hour and a half). I guess I need to use it regardless of ride length.

My friend who is a a consistent winner/age group placer in marathons, half-marathons and triathlons agrees and we both understand how/why someone would consider something as radical as labia reduction surgery. I imagine this is a "normal" anatomical variation and more common than we ever thought about.

The older we get, the further down all of it hangs!!!

Good luck finding a saddle that's comfy.

SbS... there is alot of discussion here about whether women should wear male or female specific shorts.

I am guessing I am a similar size to you (I weigh 99kg and am 5'10") and all my shorts are mens design.

They fit, they don't bunch and they last well. They could be an option if you haven't tried them out.

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Originally Posted by RoadRaven

SbS... there is alot of discussion here about whether women should wear male or female specific shorts.

I am guessing I am a similar size to you (I weigh 99kg and am 5'10") and all my shorts are mens design.

They fit, they don't bunch and they last well. They could be an option if you haven't tried them out.

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I wear mens shorts as well and usually buy the inexpensive ones with minimal padding. Seems the more padding there is the more it wads up and rubs.

Yeah... same as you too Queen - the thicker the pad the more difficult it is for me to get comfy - though I do want a bit of padding :p

For me, getting the seat at the right angle, the right tilt and the right ammount forward/back on the post is perhaps more important now I am understanding more about how I fit on a bike (only taken me nearly two years of racing to finally realise this is what works for me!)

This female issue's are common around the world sadly but true.

The causes can be many things from a adjustment type of thing to accepting that there is 'down under' things that make cycling not very comfortable.

Fortunately there is just recently a thing called 'Reskin' from Bioracer
http://www.reskin.eu/ :)
It's a patch that can be used several times and also on the female zone.

There are some reviews on the internet.

For the moment i don't suffer the mentioned problems (yet), but i do understand that saddle issue's in itself can ruin one's hobby tremendously.

I hope this can reduce the saddle problems a bit.

Good luck and i hope the best of it for all that suffer from this problem.

Has anyone ever tried pointing the nose of the saddle down ever so slightly?

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Originally Posted by Calvario301

Has anyone ever tried pointing the nose of the saddle down ever so slightly?

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Done.

And it made a world of difference! I'll not say I'm in love with my saddle, but after having gone through an agonizingly painful, year-long search before I found this one, I'm more than happy to stick with it. Things can't be too bad if there weren't any issues after 160 miles in the saddle for RAIN Ride. :)

Another quick question on this topic...

I am a relative newbie riding a Giant with the saddle that came on the bike. I expected (and have been riding with) a certain level of discomfort, though after reading through the forum I think I can definitely improve on how I feel on rides by trying out some different saddles.

My major question is when I am climbing hills I feel like the girlie bits are completely on FIRE!! It can be just horrific. :eek: Honestly it is the worst part of the hill climb for me...it even trumps the burning lungs and any leg fatigue I might have. When I get to the point when it is completely unbearable I stand up to release some of the pressure and heat but obviously I try not to do this too much as it saps my energy...especially in the middle of a long climb. Is this a normal part of climbing or am I just in serious need of a new saddle??

Thanks so much guys and I have been SO EXCITED to find this forum with such amazing women on it!!

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Originally Posted by rowboatgirl

Another quick question on this topic...

I am a relative newbie riding a Giant with the saddle that came on the bike. I expected (and have been riding with) a certain level of discomfort, though after reading through the forum I think I can definitely improve on how I feel on rides by trying out some different saddles.

My major question is when I am climbing hills I feel like the girlie bits are completely on FIRE!! It can be just horrific. :eek: Honestly it is the worst part of the hill climb for me...it even trumps the burning lungs and any leg fatigue I might have. When I get to the point when it is completely unbearable I stand up to release some of the pressure and heat but obviously I try not to do this too much as it saps my energy...especially in the middle of a long climb. Is this a normal part of climbing or am I just in serious need of a new saddle??

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OUCH!! I vote for starting the saddle search ASAP!

What Giant are you riding, and what saddle is on it? Been there, done that with my Giant -- wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

It really shouldn't hurt.

It is *not* a normal part of climbing.

Sounds like time to begin the search for the saddle of your dreams.

Start by measuring your sit bones to get an idea of minimum saddle width (there's a thread about that somewhere in "Favorite Saddles") and reading the specs on various saddles.

You can also do the "do I need a cut-out" test. (sit on the front of a hard wooden chair in your underwear. keeping your back straight, hinge forward at your hips until you can rest your elbows on your knees. if your girly bits feel smooshed and uncomfortable in this position, you might want to investigate cut-out saddles)

Saddle shape preference ("T" vs. "pear") is a very individual thing, and I don't know of any short-cuts to discovering the shape you need. Try a saddle, note the chafing pattern (if any) and change accordingly.

Sheldon Brown has a spiffy page of saddle info: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html

I'm right there with you! I have tried to express to my husband how uncomfortable I am with my saddle (it's the one that came with my bike) but he doesn't think I could possibly have it as bad as he does w/ HIS anatomy. (Apparently, riding on tiny little seats with the twig & berries crammed into skintight pants isn't so comfy for the men, either.):p

Personally, riding on my stock saddle has given me SO much pain that I haven't gone riding in over 4 years. I kind of became hopeless. I started out with NO knowledge of proper cycling gear and I am ashamed that I gave up so easily... but riding just HURT! (I'll spare you the details!)

I'm now educating myself about the multitude of options that I actually have as far as making myself more comfortable while riding.

Needless to say, the first thing on my shopping list (well, besides KNICKERS) will be a new saddle.

I'm so glad this thread was posted & that it has so many responses that are helpful. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who has experienced discomfort with her 'lady bits'!

Thanks guys! I guess it's off to get a new saddle before my century in September! And the "how to measure your girly bits" advice is AWESOME! I wasn't quite sure how to go about that whole process! :)

Oh and I'm riding a Giant FCR 2 W...I know it's not a super fast, awesome road bike, but it's a start and I'm going to ride it as hard and fast as possible until I can afford an upgrade!

I know from experience that you gotta take care of what you sit on. I always thought a chamois was so important well now I'm finding out that all it does for me now is sand the bits and they aren't really happy about that at all. I got a kidney infection from poor hydration and just being sloppy about hydration and hygeine (okay I fell asleep and didn't shower after) so I'm on the bench. I'm one of those women that if I don't urinate and rinse after sex, bike riding and swimming I'm sure to get either a UTI or a kidney infection if I ignore it. But for me, the big change I'm finding is riding with just normal shorts that are tight, such as a pair of Russell athletic shorts. Try it if you keep getting the bits sanded, you might not need the chamois at all. Now for mtn biking, I'm fine with a chamois, it's just when I ride on the road I can't take the chamois. I have a Terry Butterfly on my mtn bike and the stock saddle on my commuter bike. I'm switching the butterfly back and forth now as well because well, that stock saddle is not nice. It's really crazy how the cutout makes such a difference!

Hi - I also have this problem - after having two kids, the girly bits are not as tucked in as they used to be. I am on a Dolce elite from Specialized. And am using the saddle it came with. I always get cut up on one side of the bits. I was wearing shorts that were too big (they were old). I just got two new pairs and am gonna buy that Terry Falcon X next. So thanks for the ideas!

(New to posting but have learnt much lurking.) :)

Just wondering how much comfort should I expect when trying new saddles and or positions. I recently tried The Comfort Seat which has no horn and it was way worse than the seat that came with my bike.

I commute everyday to work and was just able to do my return trip before I needed to get that killer off my bike. Obviously my sit bones didn't match up with the design of the seat as every stroke felt like I was rolling my bones over a wooden surface. The bruise is just about gone now. I will be returning it. There was another hornless seat (I liked that part) which I will try but don't recall its name.

I guess my question is: Must I expect some sort of discomfort with any saddle I use and just aim to minimize it? Or is it possible to be totally comfortable, saddle-wise?

If it helps, my commute is about 7km one way and I do it in about 1/2 hour. (I'm in no hurry to get to work.)

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Originally Posted by greenme

I guess my question is: Must I expect some sort of discomfort with any saddle I use and just aim to minimize it? Or is it possible to be totally comfortable, saddle-wise?

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It is possible to be totally comfortable on rides that are not long *for you*. I think that even the best matched saddle to your own anatomy is going to be a bit uncomfy on your longest ride(s) ever (for example, on a century, if you normally ride 20-50 miles, say; or on a 10 mile ride if you normally ride only 2-3 at a time), but you will "toughen up" over time.

A saddle that doesn't fit you right may only get worse over time rather than better, like one I recently sold. I didn't realize that it was just too narrow for my sit bones. I had a chronic saddle sore (I mean, it was there for a YEAR! :eek:) that I could not get rid of even after several months away from cycling. That saddle would never have worked for me.

With a saddle that fits your anatomy, it will be better each time you ride. Starting out, you might get some soft-tissue pain after just a few miles, but if you ride consistently, you'll be able to ride further and further each time with no pain. I did a nine-day bike tour in 2004 in which I rode an average of 100K (63 miles) daily (no rest days!) on a Terry Butterfly saddle and had no unusual saddle problems. Sure, I suspect I was uncomfy at the end of the day and ready to get off the saddle, but nothing I can even recall now. So yes, a saddle CAN be comfortable! It can take awhile to find the one that is right for you, however.

Good luck!

Emily

Another factor to keep in mind is that the more leaning forward (racing posture) you are on your bike, the less your weight will be on your sitbones (where it is comfortable to sit) and the more your weight will be on your sensitive soft front parts. Personally, I suspect much of this women's biking pain has more to do with how we sit as opposed to how 'bad' the saddle is.

And Rowboatgirl- are you leaning forward and down more when you climb hills? Maybe that's why there is more pressure then. Try going up hills in a lower easier gear, 'spinnning' up the hill and staying more relaxed with a slightly more upright posture.

One more thing- too many people "sit" on their bikes like it was a chair- with all their weight on their butt. It helps to think of yourself as "walking" on your bike, and to try to distribute your weight more evenly between your hands, butt, and FEET. When we put more weight on our feet and think of riding like walking, it alleviates pressure on the saddle parts. Think about it next time you are on your bike, and see if this mental adjustment doesn't make you feel more like you are floating on your bike instead of just sitting on it.

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

When we put more weight on our feet and think of riding like walking, it alleviates pressure on the saddle parts.

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This definitely helps me quite a bit on longer rides. Even very slight inclines can give you a little extra resistance on the pedals, and I try to take advantage of that extra resistance by engaging my glutes and letting my butt float on top of the saddle a little. Combining that with occasionally standing up for shorter climbs has significantly increased the amount of time I'm able to be comfy "in the saddle".

Hi all, I'm new here!

For what it's worth, I had a similar problem with the non cut-out saddles - after 2 hours or so, everything just goes numb - butt, nether regions, and it started to creep down my leg. I found relief with the Specialized Toupe saddle. It has a cutout and looks like the world's skinniest, skimpiest saddle, but the way the whole shell of the saddle flexes, it's incredible and solved my numbness issues....definitely worth a shot!

I'm new to forum and joined specifically because of the sore girly parts. Last year did the Southern Tier trip with WomanTours and was in the saddle for 50/58 days. For almost all of those days (like many of my fellow travelers) I had saddle pain. I tried switching saddles (went to Serfas) mid-tour and it was no better. When I returned home, I tried Terry Butterfly, and had even more pain. Switched to Selle Italia and rode out the season with it, satisfied. This past weekend, rode three days, a couple of them hard and had to pitifully ride into parking lot. Post-ride, I hurt so bad my husband could see it in my face. AARGH. I fear that my Selle Italia is not the saddle for consecutive, hard ride days. I am thinking of trying the Terry Falcon X, as my sitbones are 140 cm. I am not a racer by any means and have been professionally fitted by my bicycle shop (and am comfortable in every other area on my Serotta bicycle).

Has anyone tried the Falcon? Thoughts? other suggestions?

I once asked a very close (male) friend of mine who is an ex-racer, "why dont women enter the really big bike races very much?"

Of course, he didn't have an educated reply like "because nobody makes the perfect saddle yet" lol, but instead something about "women dont have the same endurance/leg power/ blah blah blah..."

anyway, I wanted to contribute my saddle experience so far, I can use non-cut-out saddles at all, so bought a Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow and after a few adjustments, it's finally working for me

...now to deal with the chamois issues.... :rolleyes:

Finally I discovered my problem… I was always complained about my intimate parts being totally on fire after a long ride, especially if I sweat too much or if for any reason I wet my butt on a river or something!

My riding girlfriends sometimes complain about it too, but not with the same regularity as me, and until today when I finally read about the size of labia I was still wondering "what it’s wrong with me"… :eek:

Now that I’m aware about it I can finally understand, but still I get the feeling that is a problem that will persist forever!

I bought a new saddle a few months ago (Selle Italia SLK Lady Gel Flow) and I’m feeling better on the front, although considering that is more tough saddle, in long rides sometimes I end with a bit of “buttache” ;)

I've just been silly and posted a similar thread before checking if there was one already going. Sorry.
I suffer the same problem - most likely larger than average bits (but i haven't compared either! :D)
I wonder if anyone has tried these saddles?
http://www.spongywonder.com/bikeseat.htm
As i said in my post - I see how all the Olypics track girls sit right up on the front tip of their saddles. Does this mean a noseless saddle is a big no-no?
it looks perfect to me :p

I bought one of the many varieties of the two-pad saddles a few years ago.

Scared the cr*p out of me, because it had no nose and very little contact, so suddenly I'd lost my means of controlling the bike! The only way I could ride with that saddle was if I plopped my butt down heavily and stayed that way.

Riding style is very important with this kind of saddle. I tend to dance with the bike more than sit on it, so it just didn't work for me.

Try one if it interests you, they are definitely a memorable experience! (whether it works for you or not, it is a hoot to ride on!)

I'm a member of the Brooks Cult, and have multiple B67 saddles. When you find the saddle that works for you, buy LOTS!!!

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Originally Posted by Calvario301

Has anyone ever tried pointing the nose of the saddle down ever so slightly?

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Yes definitely. I'm using my stock saddle, selle italia initiale. It's a men's seat i guess, but i pointed it down a little. takes significant pressure off the important bits.

some might disagree, but then a bike fit is just an estimate really based on someone elses measurements. Individually it's a whole different story. a straight saddle doesnt really make sense to me, coz the moment you lean forward a little all yr parts are pressed in, and since we road bike.. we're always leaning forward.

using jojoba oil generously down there and shaving clean before long rides also help alot. I get that burning sensation if i don't use the oil.