yet another thread about girl parts

[RolliePollie]

I have chafing issues in the same area you describe. It is definitely pretty embarassing to talk about it, so good for you for posting!

My chafing has only bled once, but many times it's been very raw and it is super duper painful! You also mentioned it was worse when you rode hills...I find this to be the case as well. I do think finding the right saddle is important, but I've tried many saddles and I still get chafing in the inner labia area. I think it's more about anatomy...for some reason, some of us get chafed in different places than other people. Maybe we have exceptionally thin skin there or something. Anyway, I have a couple of suggestions for you that have really helped me...

First off, like lph already posted, rotate between two or three pairs of shorts (or knickers). Even if they're the same brand, the chamois will be slightly different and you won't be rubbing the same parts raw over and over again. I have found some great deals on shorts at http://sierratradingpost.com

Secondly, use tons of chamois cream all over "down there." Some people say this creates a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, but I have not had any problems (knock on wood!). I use inexpensive baby lotion, like Baby Magic. I used to use AstroGlide, but it's expensive and it kind of disappears into your shorts after a while. I always carry extra lotion with me on the bike so I can re-apply it after potty stops.

I hope you are able to figure something out to help. You're not alone (for what it's worth!)