Q:Vag pain, pads and cycling shorts

[ACG]

I used to always wear underwear, not anymore. I have several differrent brands of short, they all wash very well. Sometimes I get numb and that is when I raise myself up above the seat maybe for 20 seconds, once this is done a few times the numbness goes away. Try everything, somthing has gotta work. Make sure your seat it adjusted properly too!

[nc23]

I'm a guy and came across this forum while searching for my own underwear questions.

First question - my wife doesn't have dedicated "period" underwear, so all of her underwear gets spotty. I'd like to suggest she retire some of her old underear to this special duty and not stain new underwear. Any suggestions on how I can do this discretely?

Second, where does the policy of not wearing underwear with bike shorts come from? Word of mouth? Both of us have been wearing underwear with bike shorts for years. It isn't ideal, but I'm not sure that no underwear is ideal either.

Thanks for the help.

[Tuckervill]

Buy her some new undies and suggest she save them for the off-days. It's ultimately her choice, of course.

I think the thing about no underwear with bike shorts comes from experience with chafing. I don't have any experience with chafing, because I just don't ride long enough distances, but I think it could happen. I don't wear undies under my bike shorts, though. If it doesn't happen to you, I guess you should consider yourself fortunate!

Karen

[li10up]

Hydrogen Peroxide will take any blood stain out - it's amazing.

NC23 - underwear under bike shorts shows some terrible looking "panty lines" and the elastic around the leg openings of underwear can score you pretty good, not to mention the seams in the underwear.

[Grog]

Second, where does the policy of not wearing underwear with bike shorts come from? Word of mouth? Both of us have been wearing underwear with bike shorts for years. It isn't ideal, but I'm not sure that no underwear is ideal either.

As others said: chafing is the major issue.

Second: bike short chamois is actually more hygienic for exercise than underwear. It manages perspiration (and my inner legs sweat A LOT during cycling), and is usually treated to be antibacterial. By adding another layer of fabric (especially cotton) between yourself and the chamois you actually diminish its capacity to wick perspiration away.

I know some people wear underwear under their shorts, but I think it totally defeats the purpose of getting shorts in the first place. I don't need the padding as much as I need to avoid anything causing friction between myself and the saddle.

[spazzdog]

Also, wearing undies under the shorts doesn't allow for the "normal" ventilation or "wicking" of sweat that occurs sans undies. The discharge washes out, and if a little discoloration remains, well... consider it "fading". Assuming the shorts are clean when you put them on,, they won't present a health hazard.

I would also check your saddle adjustment/saddle choice. If it's correct, you shouldn't be getting that friction buildup that causes the iritation.

spazz (who's been there)

[Dianyla]

First question - my wife doesn't have dedicated "period" underwear, so all of her underwear gets spotty. I'd like to suggest she retire some of her old underear to this special duty and not stain new underwear. Any suggestions on how I can do this discretely?

Well, there may be nothing she can do about this. I used to spot a lot (meaning: occasional light bleeding outside of normal periods) and pretty much all of my underwear is trashed. I do make a point of wearing only my shabbiest pairs during my period, but any pair that I wear on any given day is in danger of getting tagged. Buy her a bunch of black sexy panties, then you won't have to be bothered by the spots.

And while you're at it, I feel compelled to mention that you may want to check and see if your own underwear collection needs revising. From holes to threadbare elastic to yellow stains to skidmarks, my ex had no leg to stand on when it came to criticizing my stained undies. So there.

[pikato]

From holes to threadbare elastic to yellow stains to skidmarks, my ex had no leg to stand on when it came to criticizing my stained undies. So there.

LOL, no kidding. I don't get the yellow stains & skidmarks. For goodness sakes, women have more to wipe & you never see skids on our undies do ya??

[mimitabby]

discrete husband,
i don't think there's a discrete way of calling this to her attention.
Humanity is full of spots and stains, it's the way we are made and there's
not a lot we can do about it. as long as they don't show in public, who cares?

However, you can offer to buy her some
great new bike shorts and I'm sure she'll appreciate that!

Mimi

[Starfish]

Mimitabby, Pikato & Dianyla...Amen!

[tomgrrrl]

If I am riding more than 15 or 20 miles I always use chamois cream/butter whatever.....it makes a huge difference for me, comfort wise. I just slather it on before a ride....I also buy those little packages of it and have them in my camelback or jersey so that, if needed, I can add a little more midway through my ride. And for the record, I never wear underwear (when biking )....

[jsgeneroso]

Hi All,

I have been using a menstrual cup for a few periods now. Its is a rubber/silicone (depending on the brand). Try keeper.com or divacup.com. During period i wear underwear and a panty liner only. If worn correctly there should be no leakage. I recenlty discovered that I can wear this on the bike and be pretty comfortable.

I'm into the whole no waste thing for menstrual products.

Cheers!

[Dianyla]

I have been using a menstrual cup for a few periods now. Its is a rubber/silicone (depending on the brand). Try keeper.com or divacup.com.

You're preachin' to the choir, honey!

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2010

[Bad JuJu]

Ahhhhhh, the joys of menopause! It has its downside, but it's pretty cool not having to deal with these monthly issues any more.

[slinkedog]

I got those "Instead" things. Work great. Haven't invested in a Keeper or Divacup yet, but I probably will soon.