Tricks for keeping the 'bits' happy

[Kiwi Stoker]

I think the OP means other measures you can take APART from saddle and bike fit to avoid problems.

I mean that one day you can ride 100km and everything is OK and another day you ride it's not. And often it's due to OTHER factors, not your bike.

I also have to try other ways for reducing discomfort. When I ride stoker on the tandem you cannot shift yourself around or stand to coast as much as you can on a single- so I have to use other methods to reduce discomfort on some of my rides.

I would rub a bit of chamois cream onto the saddle. I find that having a bit of slip means the shorts etc don't catch and pinch. I found this out as chamois cream often sinks through the shorts and greases the saddle.

[sarahspins]

It is a good point. But I think in this case the regimin sounds too extreme not to be masking other problems.

I agree with you, and the primary reason I agree is because of suggestions #1 and #2... they may work for the OP, and she may do so with the blessing of her doctor, but IMO this should absolutely NOT be standard advice for someone experiencing any degree of saddle discomfort - because it's potentially covering up issues that have the potential to lead to permanent problems, and it fails to address the cause. It's not normal to "need" so many extreme measures.

Good shorts and chamois cream for longer rides, and no shaving (if you don't shave regularly) is reasonable advice.. but AZO isn't.

[Crankin]

I have the same issues when I do a long or hot ride. I just deal with it... I have never mentioned it here, but I think you guys need to go a little easy on the OP. The Body Glide and some of the other usual tricks mostly work for me, but I get the burning after a ride still, at times. I actually went for my annual exam once, after I had been cycling a couple of years, and my gyn. told me I had "lesions," which she knew weren't cancerous or anything, but it looked very raw. I knew right away it was from my saddle, so I switched to a Terry Falcon. That helped a lot... but I still have the burning issue after rides sometimes. I've been professionally fit, and have tried all of the usual lubes. I am fine if I don't pee during a ride (not usually possible!) and I make sure I don't touch myself when showering after a long hot ride, because at times, any pressure will make me go through the roof.
It's the combination of sweat and some pressure, as well as having "ample" bits.
I did try a Brooks saddle for 6 months and it was an instrument of torture for me. I hated it. And, I don't have the patience to keep looking for the "perfect" saddle. Mine is good, I have it on all 3 bikes and the problem is much better. But... I have to say that not everyone is so super concerned regarding taking otc meds. If it works for the OP, then it's good.
When I was on my tour in Spain, it was so hot that I had the worst issues ever! I learned that I can't wear the Terry Bella shorts in really hot weather and that my Shebeest S Pros are really good for that. But, you guys would most likely be horrified to know what I used to keep the problem from totally ruining my trip; basically a combination of Body Glide, a lube the tour dour director got me, and Neosporin. That and a box of Baby Wipes worked.

[arielmoon]

I ride 6 days a week and I have to something. My solution is to trim instead of shaving. A cheap trimmer does a great job and I trim everything.

[OakLeaf]

I keep looking at those. I don't know that DH would appreciate me using his down there. Although, with men, you never know.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

When I was on my tour in Spain, it was so hot that I had the worst issues ever! I learned that I can't wear the Terry Bella shorts in really hot weather and that my Shebeest S Pros are really good for that. But, you guys would most likely be horrified to know what I used to keep the problem from totally ruining my trip; basically a combination of Body Glide, a lube the tour dour director got me, and Neosporin. That and a box of Baby Wipes worked.

Horrified? No, sounds to me like a good plan for a drastic situation of a long tour in terribly hot weather.

[Crankin]

Thanks, Lisa...
It's just that we all come up with our own solutions and it made me think that I am not "organic" enough for this forum .
My problem is mostly solved 95% of the time when I am at home, though.
And thanks for the Anti-Monkey Butt powder suggestion (that was you?). I found the regular brand at the drugstore and I am going to order the "lady" brand. It got Steve to switch from all these years of using baby powder.

[PamNY]

Crankin, if ever there were something that's different for everyone, it's the "bits." (I think of Monty Python's "naughty bits" every time I see this thread.)

Personally, I'm thankful for having knowledge of what works for a wide variety of people. I'm sure I can solve any "bit" problem that comes up.

[gayledb]

I have read through all the comments but I struggle with this too, but not from the UTI point. I am on my 4th, or is it 5th, saddle for this season and hope this one will be satisfactory. I was uncomfortable to the point of bleeding last week so have allowed healing time and finally rode yesterday without that happening again. Chamois Butter, shorts, good saddle, seems all to have a bearing but am thinking it is low estrogen and thin tissues. Anyone else dealing with this and finding a workable solution?

[KnottedYet]

I have read through all the comments but I struggle with this too, but not from the UTI point. I am on my 4th, or is it 5th, saddle for this season and hope this one will be satisfactory. I was uncomfortable to the point of bleeding last week so have allowed healing time and finally rode yesterday without that happening again. Chamois Butter, shorts, good saddle, seems all to have a bearing but am thinking it is low estrogen and thin tissues. Anyone else dealing with this and finding a workable solution?

If you post your sit bone measurements, I bet there will be a few people with similar experiences who can recommend saddles that have worked for them.

Saddles really are not supposed to make you bleed.
(regardless of tissue condition)

[Crankin]

The low estrogen and thinning tissues played a huge part in my original problem about 5 or 6 years ago. I got that solved and the riding part was much better.
Ask your doctor about an E-String.

[gayledb]

Crankin - Never heard of E-string before but am sure ready to try anything. So far last two rides have been uneventful, so that is encouraging. I will check on the E-string and see if the doc knows about that. Can you give me any more info about it. I gather it is Estrogen something or other. I agree, saddles should not cause bleeding. Saddles have been a challenge from the get go for me but this was really over the top!