sensitive subject, sensitive area

[TsPoet]

Note- Since I ride a recumbent, I wear underwear and regular shorts.
I notice problems when I wear cotton underwear and am much happier in silk and/or "coolmax" or similar - so what are your shorts made out of? Maybe a different pair of shorts and/or chamois construction might help.

[missymaya]

hey momof4greatkids,
I have the exact same problem and it took me a while to figure out how to solve the problem. For me, I have a verys sensitive bikini line, even when shaving , so for me, part of solving this painful problem is using a lubricant, like a chamois cream. I did a little research into which I preferred and I suggest you do the same. Everyone's different. I haven't had any infections or problems from the chamois cream as well.
Also, when you buy new bike shorts, make sure that the chamois is appropriate for your riding and is in the right "area". That can help with comfort.
And, for me, on long rides, I find that not shaving my bikini line helped a little too.
Hope these suggestions will relieve you from this painful problem and happy riding!

[xeney]

If the Brooks is rubbing your genitals no matter how you position it, then I don't think it's going to magically get better. It sounds like it's not the right saddle to support you in a way that keeps you from bearing weight in the wrong places.

[lizbids]

Hey Momof4...

I JUST put a terry liberator on my saddle on Saturday and noticed that I had no pressure on the girlie parts, thank god. the downside is that I felt my thighs brushing against the seat...something I didn't experience with the stock seat on my Bianchi (I changed seats b/c the Bianchi gave me pressure problems). Anyway, I used chamois Butt'r and it helped a bit, but I looked down in my shower to notice tiny red bumps, and I realized I had shaved the day before.

I would be curious to know if anyone has used the mens Liberator...seems to be thinner in the nose area.

[Triskeliongirl]

Maybe neither saddle is right for you. If you are sure the Brooks is wrong for you, maybe you need something with a cut-out, but a narrower nose than the Liberator (in addition to some chamois butter). The thigh rubbing also comes when the shape of the saddle is such that there is too gradual a transition from nose to rear. Maybe you need to go to a store where you can look at the saddles, choose one with a sharp not gradual transition (i.e. not much saddle around the thigh area), narrow nose, cut-out, but wide enough in the rear to support your sit bones.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If i were you I would just try some sort of lubricating cream or ointment when riding instead of changing from saddle to saddle. A cream will definitely reduce chafing and friction. You said you were experiencing chafing.
I believe urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria getting into the urethra, and I find it odd to say that an ointment in the general area would cause such infections. Good diet, keeping the urethra area clean and peeing regularly is the usual advice to prevent urinary infections.

[Crankin]

The Brooks saddle also bothered me greatly. I switched to a Terry Firefly (?). I also use Butt'r religiously. It's never done anything but help, especially on long rides.
Clindomyacin is for folliculitis; although the bumps you have may look like that, it's most likely something else. I would try the chamois creme before getting rid of the saddle.

[short cut sally]

I have the liberator saddle on my bike, and I find if I don't use chamois cream on the longer rides i become "irritated" where the crease is of my thigh buttock area. I also shave and have to avoid shaving before going on longer rides which has also helped. But i swear by the chamois butt'r offered here. Also makes a difference on what type of chamois is in the shorts for me also. I've ditched the soft non formed piece of material to chamois that are different in thicknesses. All of the combinations for me has helped. But the butt'r is heaven. I've used it for a year now faithfully, no UTI's for me. But I apply to the outer labia and buttock area only.

[LadyinWhite]

Hey Momof4...

I JUST put a terry liberator on my saddle on Saturday and noticed that I had no pressure on the girlie parts, thank god. the downside is that I felt my thighs brushing against the seat...something I didn't experience with the stock seat on my Bianchi .

I had the exact same problem with the Liberator. The constant brushing sensation of my thighs to the seat drove me crazy within a few min. I sent it back and now ride a Men's Fly. I keep thinking that maybe a woman's fly would be more suited to me b/c of wsd but.. I'm also of the mind, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. DH is eyeing it closely though.....

I don't know if one can say definatively that it's the saddle, the cream or the shaving that will resolve the problem. I think it'll have to be a trial and error sorta thang.