Cycling and UTIs

[Countrydiary]

I would really like to regularly start to cycle to work, for health, convenience and general fitness. However I’ve had nothing but UTIs and Gynae issues this winter which I’m worried will be made worse by cycling.

Does anyone have any tips of avoiding aggravating the area (very bumpy off road path i cycle along, which has caused me trouble in the past). Or should I just avoid cycling?

Sorry, can't help as it's not something I ever suffered from - didn't even wear padded cycling gear on my cycle to work - although it was only 3.4 miles.

You don't mention how far you have to cycle but would good padded gear (either underwear or leggings) make a difference? Maybe even invest in some of the custom fit padding?

I would get a very padded gel seat cover to spread the weight out over your sit bones rather than all the weight going through your uterthra area

It also helps to practice, I used to do spinning a lot and would get terrible tenderness if I hadn’t done it for a while

I've had them in the past, especially after cycling holidays. Things that have worked for me:

• don't shave or wax down there - pubes help protect the area
• padded cycling shorts with no knickers; change them every day and take them off as soon as you get to work; no sitting around in them.
• don't cycle wearing trousers with a seam; e.g. jeans, as the area gets irritated
• check that your saddle isn't causing the problem. Ones that come with bikes are usually very basic. Saddle fit can depend on whether your bits are an innie or an outie - I'm an outie so I use a cut-out saddle to minimise pressure on my bits. This one has been great for me - my commute is an off-road, sometimes cobbled 8 mile canal towpath to work and I've had no issues. Saddles sometimes come up on ebay second hand, and some retailers will let you try before you buy.

www.chainreactioncycles.com/selle-italia-slr-lady-flow-women-s-road-bike-saddle/rp-prod120545?gs=1&sku=sku795909&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=base&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0rqd6Iui9gIVSoBQBh1ZpgUdEAQYASABEgJKWPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I cycle a lot; I don't get UTI's, but I can get minor injuries in my groin area if I'm not wearing padded shorts/leggings - I usually wear shorts under normal clothes rather than full lycra kit. I'm on roads with variable surfaces, but not off road at all, and can still develop issues doing 10 miles/day. How far would you be going?

Not an issue I've had, but the advice I've seen on this is basically just to keep your underwear/cycling kit clean and dry - so change (and ideally wash) after riding - and stay hydrated.

There are also different shaped saddles - e.g. with cutaway sections - if pressure is uncomfortable. Counter-intuitively, the minimal-looking saddles are often more comfortable than the big padded ones. Maybe go and have a chat in a bike shop about what could suit you.

Vaseline and padded shorts.

Are you wearing synthetic fabrics while you cycle? If so, try switching to something more natural. Bam bamboo stuff is good, not specifically for cycling but they do good leggings etc.

Weirdly, the last thing you need is a very padded saddle as it pushes up into your bits rather than you sitting on your sit bones properly. I have a very small, hard, unisex saddle which turned out to be much more comfortable when used with the right padded shorts than my old Selle Italia lady gel one. Womens chamois cream correctly applied, no pants under cycling shorts, and washing shorts in Halo sports wash each time and I'm good

Thank you so much everyone! I suspect my saddle is making things worse and I’ve just worn normal exercise trousers in the past.

It’s not hugely long, about 3 miles each way.

Last time I tried I definitely was uncomfortable and then had some issues shortly after - I’m going to plan to invest in some proper kit and also do a bit of bike in the gym to get used to it.

Unfortunately lots of different things set UTIs off for me - it’s very irritating!

Really appreciate everyone’s tips.

id suggest a water bottle of decent size, drink on the way to work and have a pee when you arrive at work