Cycling shorts, commando or underwear? shave? wax??

[cervelogirl]

Ok, so I've got to ask the awkward question as things 'down there' have been getting a little uncomfortable.
I've heard that men go commando with cycling shorts, a particular line from a cycling magazine in regards to underwear was "consider the swamp that is your crotch"; gross.
I've never had a problem with it being sweaty and gross like that article described - so, why go commando? Had anyone noticed a difference? Recommend one way of the other?
And also, does anyone have anything to say on shaving or waxing the area?? I've been getting some discomfort from hairs being pulled. Shaving has made things a little tender and the skin is sore after riding...
I usually ride about 200km /week and after a long ride (100km) I've been known to walk a bit funny...
Any solutions to my embarrassing problem would be much appreciated! (I can't exactly ask anyone from my bike club b/c they're all men!)

[artifactos]

Going commando isn't usually about sweat - it's most often about preventing more pressure points (elastic on underwear under compressive cycling shorts usually creates pressure points).

As for hair management.. I try not to shave the same day I ride. Unlike you, I do sweat, and sweat + freshly shaved skin = nightmare for me. I imagine the same would go for freshly waxed skin, but I haven't done that for a few years. I never let my pubic hair get very long, though, so I have never had experience with hair pulling..

If you search the forums, you'll find a lot of threads on these same subjects!

[OakLeaf]

Cycling shorts are meant to be worn commando. Underwear can cause chafing, even if it doesn't have seams.

Hair removal leaves most women susceptible to ingrown hairs and infections. I usually keep the hair trimmed to 1/2" or so to avoid pulling and tangling.

Make sure your saddle is a good fit (there are several threads here on saddle fitting), but if you're still experiencing chafing, many if not most people use a lubricant like Body Glide, shea butter, or other chamois creams for longer rides.

Welcome to TE.

[kermit]

Go commando, the undies will cause chafing and possibly infection, holding moisture in. I shave, but don't do it the day before a ride, give yourself time for the skin to recover, use a lotion or Prep H after shaving, keeps the skin soft.

[OakLeaf]

Use Prep H?

Really?

Wow. The things I learn at Team Estrogen!

Aw, heck, my ex husband told me that in his serious alcoholic days he used Prep H under his eyes to reduce swelling.

[tctrek]

I have a body builder friend that uses Prep H just before exhibition - all over to smooth out cellulite and other bulges.

[nscrbug]

A few years back when I got a tattoo, I was told to use Prep H on it to accelerate the healing process. I guess it's useful in bringing down swelling in all applications.

[ny biker]

Aw, heck, my ex husband told me that in his serious alcoholic days he used Prep H under his eyes to reduce swelling.

Don't beauty pageant chicks do the same thing? Maybe I should try it for the permanent bags under my eyes.

Anyway, I use cortisone cream if I get irritation from shaving. I can shave the day before a ride but not the day of. Before and during long rides I use chamois butt'r.

[sundial]

Prep H will also heal dry, itchy, cracked hands. I slather it on before bedtime, wear gloves, and voila--healed skin in the morning. An old country nurse gave me this tip.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

There are tons of great recent (less than 2 years old) threads here to be found on shaving, chamois creams, commando, rashes, saddle sores, shorts, undies etc....try the 'search forums' function and be amazed!