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!)

[zoom-zoom]

I've had a bit of bleeding in that region, too. I don't think I have the world's "daintiest" labial area and if I don't use plenty of chamois butter I get literally rubbed the wrong way. I'm hoping this is mostly an issue of the indoor trainer and that things will improve outdoors. If not I'll probably look at a different saddle (right now I have the Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow).

[moonfroggy]

i am glad i posted. everyone here has been so kind and so helpful. i ordered a new pair of shorts and will get another pair next month (my birthday is next month!) i am sort of relieved that i am not a freak of nature and others have the same problem but would be better if no one had chaffing issues.

i will see doctor soon and get in for a bike fitting as soon as i can and use more chamois butter than i use now. i luckily never have problems with yeast or bacteria so hopefully i can use more of that stuff and have it prevent chaffing and stay yeast and bacteria free as well.

[lovesunflowers]

Thank you for having the courage to talk about this here!! I'm a big girl and have had enough issues trying to talk to the local bike shops about saddles and such and about this same issue. Its embarrassing and I don't want to give up on a sport I can actually do and love so much. I've never bled but boy oh boy, I've been in a lot of pain!! I appreciate reading I'm NOT the only one out there!!

[sundial]

i am sort of relieved that i am not a freak of nature....

You are NOT a freak of nature and I applaud your courage to step outside your comfort zone. You are in the company of wise ladies who will be happy to offer you encouragement.

[tiva]

I hope you found a solution. I had a lot of compression pain on my labia as well, and I found these things helped:
1. tilting my seat a tiny bit downward
2. a cut-out seat with large cut-outs
3. and most oddly, but most importantly, if I tuck things inside a bit, I don't get the pain. I don't know how to put this politely, but after using the restroom and washing my hands well, I fold the labia inside when I'm riding, and that helps a lot on the bike.

OK, until a moment ago, my husband was the only person on earth who knew I did this!

[MLR]

I am also glad that I am not alone. I thought this irritation may have been due to the fact that I was post menopausal. I have found that changing my saddle to a very narrow saddle helped as well as A & D ointment and chamois butter. The problem is not gone and it is really frustrating to have the problem reoccur.

[zoom-zoom]

I've had a bit of bleeding in that region, too. I don't think I have the world's "daintiest" labial area and if I don't use plenty of chamois butter I get literally rubbed the wrong way. I'm hoping this is mostly an issue of the indoor trainer and that things will improve outdoors. If not I'll probably look at a different saddle (right now I have the Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow).

I need to update this...I have been on the Specialized Jett for a few months and it is a HUGE improvement. The previous saddle was too big/wide and too pear-shaped, so the cut-out was never where I needed it and I always had to push myself back on that saddle. I'm doing much better on a firmer, narrower, t-shaped saddle.