Lower body discomfort: Saddle issue or just not "broken in"?

[Artista]

I've found that pain from bruised sit bones will go away after a few rides in close succession. I don't think that pain from smashed lady bits will ever resolve without saddle modifications ~ either a position adjustment or a different saddle.

[Eden]

Definitely look into a bike fit and/or new saddle. Sore sit bones are normal for a time, until you get them adjusted, but soft tissue damage further up is indicative of something being off. The fact that you feel you cannot get comfortable further back on the saddle makes it sound like a bike fit issue - like you are scooting up to reach or get a good position over your pedals.

[westtexas]

Thanks for the advice y'all, I definitely appreciate it. I'm going to try adjusting my saddle some and if not I guess I'll go to the LBS. Unfortunately, no women at any of the three shops we have where I live right now, so I guess they will have to grin and bear it!

[ny biker]

Are you using the saddle that came with the bike? It might be too narrow for you. You should measure your sit bones -- there are several threads here on how to do that.

[♥2CYKEL]

I know exactly what you are talking about. Sore smashed lady parts are no fun. Especially when everything else is just fine. I went through 4 saddles until I found the right combination, but that's because I didn't get professional help at my LBS. Somehow women understand better but maybe with this knowledge from the forums you can take it to your LBS.

Saddle 1. Came with my Trek, a WSD (women's specific design) it was okay.
Saddle 2. Much too wide for my sit bones. I would ache for hours.
Saddle 3. A much more narrow fit but back to smashing the lady parts.

Saddle 4. Had a fitting at my LBS with a lady when I bought my Cervelo. She suggested a Bontrager WSD RL InForm. It's what she used. There are different sizes and she fit me with it at the shop on my bike. Turns out I needed the saddle more forward to keep me from scooching back for comfort. Bontrager has a 30 day guarantee but I didn't need it.

It is so much better. I actually forgot about my lady parts and could focus on my ride for a change.

So, WESTTEXAS there is a fit and saddle for you. It's all so individual but that pain is the same for sure!

[emily_in_nc]

If your saddle does not have a cutout, it might be that you need one. I don't leave home without a cutout in my saddle. Otherwise, my ladybits get rubbed raw (major owies when I wash or pee after a ride). With a cutout, no such issues.

Good luck!

[♥2CYKEL]

Oh yah I forgot to mention my saddle has a nice indentation for the girly parts. I'm sure that's a big part of the comfort.