Embarrassing Seat Injury?!

[Sky King]

I hate to be too graphic - but after 3 long rides on the saddle that came with my bike, I fear I've injured the front/center neighborhood of Lady Town. The saddle was causing some major compression/squishing in that area, but I wanted to give it a fair try and make sure it wasn't just me... I bought a women's saddle yesterday but am too sore to try it just yet. Can I rest assured that partial numbness / pins-and-needles feelings will go away on their own?

And about products like Butt Butter, etc. - are they meant for this area and type of problem? Not sure if there's chafing at work too or if it's mainly the pressure/weight that's been on this area... Do you apply liberally or use a tiny bit? Does it get all over the inside of your shorts? (I did commit to ditching the undies after the 1st ride - at least that's better sweat-wise.)

Thank you!

1. use liberally, at least a good coating. I tend to put directly on my skin, I know others put on the chamois of their shorts.
2. Always wash your shorts after a ride, if you start touring, always carry two pair so you have a fresh pair everyday

Once you are back in the saddle, be sure to have someone help you check you saddle height - see other posts here. I had to switch saddles yesterday and had to stop and adjust it twice on my ride so even "non-newbies" don't get it right the first time ~

[OakLeaf]

L-Bell, did you read the most excellent threads about saddle fitting that Muirenn linked to earlier in this thread? A "women's saddle" means basically nothing. Any more than "women's pants." It has to fit YOU. There are brands and sizes of jeans that will fit you and brands and sizes that won't, and a saddle is no different.

Lubes are helpful for chafing, though they're not a substitute for a well-fitting saddle, and in general, the better your saddle fits, the less lube you'll need. They won't do anything for pressure.