painful hoo-ha needs help

[Deja Vu]

Hi Ladies!

I really don't have much to say about this, except: Stay mindful of any allergies/sensitivities to the materials of the chamois! Hooo-ha!

[carolp]

I refer to the problem by that old sailing term-- fire in the hole. Mine is pretty well solved with a new saddle-- a specialized, chamois butter and estrogen cream, but then I'm 54. A younger woman wouldn't have to go the hormone route. I am going to try vaseline intensive care as well.

[koala]

Assos specifically states that its product is not recommended for use down in the sensitive area. Chamois Butter and Friction Zone would be better choices as the ingredients should be less prone to irritate.

Vaseline is a petroleum-based product. Petrolatum should not be used down in that area either. It is impervious to air, so it encourages infectious growth, particularly as the temperatures start to heat up. It is also known to break down some of the materials used in chamois & in shorts.

Older riders probably have different issues than younger riders. For those of us who have gone through, or are going through menopause, the problem tends to be loss of lubricating ability. Estrogen creams make a lot of sense to try to restore the natural lubrication process. Younger riders should not be plagued by this and would be better advised to look to either the shorts (improper fit, incompatible chamois) or the saddle as the likely culprit of their discomfort.

[Andrea]

This is gonna sound crazy, but i've got something that works well if you're in a fix for some sort of skin lubricant...

Astroglide!

I'm pretty sure any type of "personal lubricant" would work, especially because they aren't petroleum based like a lot of lotions (petroleum based things break down latex in comdoms, and will do the same thing to your chamois over time). It stays on forever, and it's slippery as, well, astroglide...

Edit- I've found that astroglide stays slippry longer than KY in "non-bike" situations, so I'm guessing that it would carry over to cycling use as well

[KnottedYet]

And there is "O My" and "Jo Systems H2O". Won't break down your latex, your silicone, or your lycra!

[RolliePollie]

I bought some Astroglide today and I can't wait to try it out (I mean on a bike ride).

Why do they have to put the section with the Astroglide and other related products in such conspicous locations in stores? Good grief...after I picked the Astroglide up off the shelf, I looked up and the pharmacist was staring at me, as were two people in line. All 3 actually made eye contact with me. I'm sure I turned a bright shade of beet red as I turned quickly and got the heck out of there!

I've read several posts in this thread that say younger women shouldn't have the "lubrication" problem...but I'm 32 and I've gotta say that on the bike, I definitely have this issue. I wonder if it's due to BCP's. Anyway, all the suggestions here are great and I'm hoping Astroglide is the solution. I just hope I don't slip right off my saddle...

[teigyr]

if I try that, I think I will get DH to buy it. Either that or have a few drinks before I go to the store!