yet another thread about girl parts

[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.