Saddle Discomfort and Lady Bits

[Chandler]

I'm putting in an "update" for reference purposes for others, since there is SO LITTLE about female-specific cycling health specifically pertaining to the soft tissue/crotch issues. I have spent lots of time on the net, have spoken to two PTs (one who specializes in women's groin/pelvic girdle health issues), and a GP. It is the pudendal NERVE (not artery) that has been compressed. It is very rarely a permanent injury. It is a slow healer--we're looking at easily 6 weeks. There is not a lot one can do to speed the healing process, but the pelvic health PT recommended icing. . .fun!
In the meantime, I can finally tell that some healing progress has been made--but I'm still pretty numb. I did a careful spin yesterday on a very upright bike, and alternated sitting way back on the hip bones to spin with being up out of the saddle to spin--one position per song, so I was up 50% of the time. It does not seem to have had an adverse effect.
So that's the scoop! As they say, all's well that ends well!

[cylegoddess]

Person who rode in jean shorts and a maxi pad -ouch! Just the thought of the jean seam makes me cringe and maxi pads I find, tend to 'dry' you out and cause chafing. I noticed this in a spin class. Get some bike shorts, even without chamois!


I have been riding a mens selle italia as my other saddle seems to have hit the bermuda triangle, in the ordering.Ouch! Better than old one( it was too wide at front) but man,no cut out. <Mens saddles suit me better, as I have narrow sit bones but thank god new one ( selle something, cant recall but is men, has ciut outs, and nose is slightly canted down.)
Orbea, has terry butterflys on their lower ends, but the better bike have selle italia.

Im finding that all shorts give me chafing on side of girly bits. Is it because they are mens? The cheap ones of course arent as good as moulded ones, but do I really need all this padding?

[Fala]

I just started riding (yay!) with the intention of commuting 5.5 miles each way to work - in NYC! I went out for a 15 mile ride (totally nothing compared to all of you but hey, its been a while) and wow was I bruised! I'm just starting to feel better now (day 4) and plan on riding to work tomorrow, and will promptly get a new saddle as apparently the one that's on my bike is not so good for me! It has the cut out, but I think the nose is too wide. I also believe it is too cushy for my tush because I keep sliding off from one side to the other. Thanks for the recommendations! The expression on the bike shop guy's face will be priceless tomorrow!

Brachial Plexus injury pain lasting months?! Groan. I'm dealing with that now too - its been about a month and the pain has flared up again.