Sorry didn't see this topic until now.

Don't mean to shock anyone...but I've only worn padded shorts once...in the last 14 years of cycling. This includes multi-week cycling touring trips with my own baggage in my panniers.

I do mean cycling for 100 kms+ daily unpadded. Several years, I have average 5,000-6,000 kms. annually. No padded shorts.

But I use panty liners and wear panties to avoid infection problems. I seriously find it tough to wear padded shorts naked. ..when I do get slight urinary discharge or vaginal discharge occasionally. YOu know what I mean, stuff that only needs a panty liner.

I agree you should not have bleeding in labia area after cycling. Numb maybe after several whole days of back-to-back, sustained cycling.

Most experienced women cyclists that I know personally don't bother with padded shorts for a ride under approx. 50-60 kms.

If you are properly fitted on bike with bike saddle positioned in correctly..it helps enormously. Might take several trials with different saddles also.

Of course, each of us are built differently.