A serious issue facing female cyclists, another example of male anatomy being the default!

34 replies

NigelYerABawbag · 26/03/2019 16:24

‘I had a huge swelling’: why my life as a female cyclist led to vulva surgery

Here - vulval swelling, pain, and damage caused by saddles.

It sounds horrific and a real issue for female cyclists.

OP posts:

Boiledeggandtoast · 26/03/2019 17:52

Thanks for your comments ABC1234DEF. It's only been an issue since the menopause so I guess it's probably as much hormonal as cycling itself.

Motheroffeminists · 26/03/2019 17:35

I can't imagine blokes have much of a better time though. All that stuffed Lycra is traumatic to see so maybe they deserve the discomfort

Motheroffeminists · 26/03/2019 17:34

I went on a 10 mile bike ride yesterday with a saddle for big bottoms as have problems with my coccyx. Coccyx is fine but my vulva and the top of my inner thighs feel bruised.
I don't cycle often-once a week or so-and can't afford to try lots of different saddles and I'd never wear shorts. I'd be arrested

ABC1234DEF · 26/03/2019 17:20

@Boiledeggandtoast

Most likely related to what you wear/chamois cream etc if cycling related I'd expect?

Boiledeggandtoast · 26/03/2019 17:11

Really interesting article and comments, many thanks for posting the link. My current issue as a menopausal cyclist is recurrent UTIs which I suspect are exacerbated by cycling - does anyone have any advice? I ride with a well worn in Brooks leather saddle.

ABC1234DEF · 26/03/2019 16:45

This isn't a female problem, it's a cyclist problem.

It's not necessary to try and find some feminist issue in every article in the press

gamerchick · 26/03/2019 16:43

I dunno, I feel sorry for dudes as well. That can't be comfortable in the pod department.

CMOTDibbler · 26/03/2019 16:41

Saddles (and the right combination of shorts, pad, chamois cream) are a massive issue for all cyclists. I've had 8 or more saddles in my quest for comfort, but my DH has had even more.

Try and get a ladies cycling top with room for you to have norks though - thats a real challenge! Only Fat Lad at the Back seem to manage curves

anniehm · 26/03/2019 16:33

You can buy saddles designed with female anatomy in mind but be aware any male cyclist will tell you it's not a bed of roses for them either. The standard bike design isn't comfortable on the genital area! Gel saddles are so much more comfortable

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