Hi all,

Haven't posted in a while- too busy cycling I guess, among other things. Now I have more time to think since I am on vacation from teaching. Been cycling all year- even in our cold NY winter!! Of course, I like warm weather cycling a bit better.

Now I seem to be having a problem I have not encountered before. I have had 3 UTIs (urinary tract infections) this year. I have been cycling for years, but these past 12 months I've logged the most miles ever, about 1500. I'm wondering if any of the cycling gals here have had UTIs as a result of, or at least as a contributing factor from, cycling.

Just FYI, I do everything I'm supposed to do- drink lots, urinate before/after sex, etc. but I still get the infections. I have only had two UTIs in my whole life before now, so this is unusual for me. Of course, it might also have to do with my age-I'm also 45 and experiencing some peri-menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, irregular cycles, dryness down under, etc. I am not on any hormones, nor do I use a diaphragm (that caused my other infections and got thrown away real quick!). Generally, I do not use Chammy butter as I feel like I am sliding off the seat if I do, but once in a while I might if I'm going on a long ride. My saddle could probably use improvement- my bike's a year old and has a WSD saddle (a Gary Fisher Tassajara), but I found it too hard, so I put a gel cover on it. I wonder in hindsight if that was not a good idea. I am MUCH more comfortable on it, but I wonder if a cut-out saddle would be better. Anyone have luck with them?

Well, if anyone has any suggestions, ideas, experience with this awful problem, I'd appreciate it.

Saxa82