TMI Female Bike Riding Issue

red_hatorade
red_hatorade Posts: 166
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been bike riding 2-3 times a week and am having some female issues in regards to my seat. First, I noticed that I was getting UTI's after I started riding. I have been taking a cranberry capsule and drinking a lot of water and this has seemed to help along with adjusting my seat. Now I am noticing that the area around my urethra and *kitten* actually falls asleep and I feel a burning sensation. I feel some pressure while riding, but when I am done, it feels like if you sit on your leg too long and move it and actually feel pain. It is a mixture between that, the burning and over stimulation, similar to after having an orgasm when you are really sensitive, almost to a point of it being painful. (God this is so TMI, I'm sorry)

Anyways, is there any way to avoid this? I have adjusted my seat so that the pressure is more on my rear (though this doesn't really help too much because my butt is almost non-existent) to avoid another UTI (this has worked so far) but now I am experiencing the issue with my goodies falling asleep.

I don't want to stop riding, because my fiance and I enjoy riding together with our daughter. Any help would be great.
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Replies

  • ItsNot2Late
    ItsNot2Late Posts: 7
    Last year I ordered a bike seat online that doesn't have the part that goes between your legs and the seat part is wider so you kind of sit on it like a chair. I'm at work so I can't go check but it is a Schwinn seat. I think they called it a no pressure seat.
  • losethatshit
    losethatshit Posts: 22
    Why did I click on this?
  • k_gilphy
    k_gilphy Posts: 5 Member
    Change your bike seat and are you wearing padded shorts?
  • DoBetterDrea
    DoBetterDrea Posts: 85 Member
    Last year I ordered a bike seat online that doesn't have the part that goes between your legs and the seat part is wider so you kind of sit on it like a chair. I'm at work so I can't go check but it is a Schwinn seat. I think they called it a no pressure seat.

    Here it is!

    http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-No-Pressure-Bicycle-Seat/dp/B000DZGLVY
  • Dudagarcia
    Dudagarcia Posts: 849 Member
    Why did I click on this?


    Ur funny!
  • campi_mama
    campi_mama Posts: 350 Member
    Maybe a gel cushion seat cover. That's what I got for my bike seat (bought it at Target for $10). Otherwise, maybe go into a bike store and see if there is someone who can "fit" you in the saddle.
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    I am a man and this happened to me last year.
    I have been biking my whole life and just last year I had the numbness you speak of.
    Luckily my DR is an avid cyclist so he explained it to me like this.
    There is an artery that runs between your legs. A tolerance of only a few milimeters keeps it from getting numb or not getting numb depending on the person and their shape. He actually wrote a prescription for my seat(as a joke to his bike shop owner friend).

    If you have noticed many bicycle seats have a gap in the middle, that is to relieve pressure.

    Go to a high end bike shop in your neighborhood and explain that you need a new seat. They will help you.
  • campi_mama
    campi_mama Posts: 350 Member
    This is the one I got....
    http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Adult-Double-Bicycle-Saddle/dp/B000DZGLUA
  • knittnponder
    knittnponder Posts: 1,953 Member
    There are many different styles of seats available, you just need to find the most comfortable for you. We tried one of the type you sit on like a chair but I always felt like I was going to fall off so I took it back. I finally found one that I like by trail and error but it probably won't do you much good. Try some out but ask about the return policy before you buy any.

    ETA a linky to some helpful information:
    http://www.bicyclewarehouse.com/buyers-guides/are-you-riding-the-right-bicycle-saddle-pg481.htm
  • TheMissingSock
    TheMissingSock Posts: 89
    i get that on my exercise bike at home when my seat is too high. can you lower the seat on your bike?
  • girlnamedlee
    girlnamedlee Posts: 96 Member
    It was called "TMI female bike riding issue" How could you NOT click on it?
  • LovingLisa2012
    LovingLisa2012 Posts: 775 Member
    OP:
    thanks for posting this...
    i actually can't even use an exercise bike b/c i start to hurt bad in that region ( major fat on my lower belly, pushes things i think)

    and to the poster
    and ty for the suggestion of the seat w/o the center .. i really would like to get a bike again and that will be helpfull
  • carolinagirl7
    carolinagirl7 Posts: 435 Member
    It sounds like an issue with the position on your bicycle, and there is a compression of blood flow to the groin/genital area. I agree with the other suggestions about padded riding shorts, changing seats, and having someone fit you (and your seat) to your bike. I would add to try and stand every few minutes on your bicycle to see if you can restore some of the blood flow. I would also Google groin numbness and cycling, and see what you come up with. Good luck!
  • BlueInkDot
    BlueInkDot Posts: 702 Member
    I have a pretty wide bike seat, and my mom has a really, REALLY wide bike seat. It's almost like a chair seat. I don't know how ladies put up with those super narrow seats that are like... trying to violate you. Jeez. But yea I'm sure if you looked around online you'd find a nice, wide, cushion-y seat that won't smoosh your privates.

    Also recumbent bikes might be worth looking into as well. They're not as effective for going up steep hills, and you might go a little slower in general, but the seats are sooooooooo comfy. You also work slightly different muscles biking on a recumbent rather than a typical upright bike.

    Hope this helps! Good luck!

    Edit: Oh yea and padded bike shorts are where it's at. Good stuff. You look totally ridiculous walking around, but.. hey that's what we signed up for when we started biking, right? :P
  • Wreak_Havoc
    Wreak_Havoc Posts: 597
    Last year I ordered a bike seat online that doesn't have the part that goes between your legs and the seat part is wider so you kind of sit on it like a chair. I'm at work so I can't go check but it is a Schwinn seat. I think they called it a no pressure seat.

    Here it is!

    http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-No-Pressure-Bicycle-Seat/dp/B000DZGLVY

    That seat is great for the type of riding you say you do with your daughter. If you start getting into more hardcore riding (30+ miles a trip) then I do recommed you go to a "good" bike shop where the staff is trained on what seat for what sex with what issues and for what type of riding. That includes knowing what pressure should not be in the frontal pelvic region for both men and women.

    Happy riding from a bike riding junkie! LOL
  • red_hatorade
    red_hatorade Posts: 166
    Why did I click on this?

    The title stated TMI, you were warned!
  • Snow__White
    Snow__White Posts: 1,650 Member
    Jock strap ?
  • red_hatorade
    red_hatorade Posts: 166
    I have a pretty wide bike seat, and my mom has a really, REALLY wide bike seat. It's almost like a chair seat. I don't know how ladies put up with those super narrow seats that are like... trying to violate you. Jeez. But yea I'm sure if you looked around online you'd find a nice, wide, cushion-y seat that won't smoosh your privates.

    Also recumbent bikes might be worth looking into as well. They're not as effective for going up steep hills, and you might go a little slower in general, but the seats are sooooooooo comfy. You also work slightly different muscles biking on a recumbent rather than a typical upright bike.

    Hope this helps! Good luck!

    My bike is a hybrid, I think. A mix between a mountain bike and a cruiser. It is by no means an expensive bike, but it does have a larger seat with a hole in the middle. Our rides are about 5 miles total. And LMAO @ violating you. Ha ha ha. My fiance's seat is a violator, it is friggin tiny. I don't know how he rides with such a small seat.
  • Polly758
    Polly758 Posts: 623 Member
    Sounds like the change in seat should help the sensation problems, but for the UTI problem, make sure all your undies and workout clothes are cotton in the crotch. And don't use scented anything down there.
  • crazyellybean
    crazyellybean Posts: 999 Member
    We are right around the same weight! .. anyway.. I too ride as I am training for a race next month... the seat makes a HUGE difference!! .. I have a saddle seat and it is so much better and easier to ride... also make sure your seat adjustment is right so your not pushing down on the seat to peddle..
  • rugbyphreak
    rugbyphreak Posts: 509 Member
    I have a really nice trail bike and had to order a seat with the middle cut out because I was having the same issues. On another high note, the hole in the seat also allows for some air flow. LOVE IT!
  • spazofthedead
    spazofthedead Posts: 175 Member
    My bike seat is similar to this one: http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-PRO-FIT-Saddle-White/dp/B003COG45G/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1335483630&sr=8-5

    Between the seat (they even measured my butt to get the right size seat!) and padded cycling shorts, numbness is a rare thing now. Only happens if I sit on it funny for a few miles, and then it's my own fault. So definitely look into getting a better seat. If you can, go to a specialty bike shop and get fitted for one.
  • Jessie__86
    Jessie__86 Posts: 71
    Why did I click on this?

    hahahaha always remember curiousity killed the cat!
  • love22step
    love22step Posts: 1,103 Member
    I clicked to see what kind of female issue "TMI" was. :ohwell: It was interesting, however, since I just bought a bike and haven't started riding yet. I didn't know why the seat has a hole in the middle.
  • jamiem1102
    jamiem1102 Posts: 1,196 Member
    This is EXACTLY why I don't ride bikes.
  • Micahroni84
    Micahroni84 Posts: 452 Member
    This is the one I got....
    http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-Adult-Double-Bicycle-Saddle/dp/B000DZGLUA

    have this and love it!
  • lovesbikes
    lovesbikes Posts: 26 Member
    OK this is my first post here.

    I own 2 bikes (Giant Sedona & a Bianchi Alfana) and put in atleast 26-36 miles a week.

    Things that helped me

    1. Seat Height, (I cannot stress enough on this, it makes you more comfortable and gives more power to the peddels).

    2. Bib/Shorts eg. http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Womens-Knicker-Medium/dp/B004EPX45A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335484136&sr=8-1
    Pearl Izumi makes some awesome shorts and bibs for cyclists you will find it in your LBS (local bike store) try on different ones.
    I usually wear mine under my pants/shorts. Make sure you get a female one since the male one will have gel in different places.

    3. Saddle (its not called a seat since it is not designed to take your entire weight supposed to be distributed between hands and legs) the one that helped me most was an anotimic one (ones that have a hole in them) eg. http://www.amazon.com/Serfas-RX-Womens-Bicycle-Saddle/dp/B000W7K3SA/ref=sr_1_4?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1335484440&sr=1-4
    I spend like 45$ on my seat.

    4. DZ Nuts Bliss Chamois Cream - Women's

    Hope it helps, also I love this book "Ride Your Way Lean" - SELENE YEAGER lot of tips on cycling . Bicycle Magazine site also has some good tips.
  • Wreak_Havoc
    Wreak_Havoc Posts: 597
    I clicked to see what kind of female issue "TMI" was. :ohwell: It was interesting, however, since I just bought a bike and haven't started riding yet. I didn't know why the seat has a hole in the middle.

    Ventalation...
  • SpringFever19
    SpringFever19 Posts: 180 Member
    OK this is my first post here.

    I own 2 bikes (Giant Sedona & a Bianchi Alfana) and put in atleast 26-36 miles a week.

    Things that helped me

    1. Seat Height, (I cannot stress enough on this, it makes you more comfortable and gives more power to the peddels).

    2. Bib/Shorts eg. http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Womens-Knicker-Medium/dp/B004EPX45A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335484136&sr=8-1
    Pearl Izumi makes some awesome shorts and bibs for cyclists you will find it in your LBS (local bike store) try on different ones.
    I usually wear mine under my pants/shorts. Make sure you get a female one since the male one will have gel in different places.

    3. Saddle (its not called a seat since it is not designed to take your entire weight supposed to be distributed between hands and legs) the one that helped me most was an anotimic one (ones that have a hole in them) eg. http://www.amazon.com/Serfas-RX-Womens-Bicycle-Saddle/dp/B000W7K3SA/ref=sr_1_4?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1335484440&sr=1-4
    I spend like 45$ on my seat.

    4. DZ Nuts Bliss Chamois Cream - Women's

    Hope it helps, also I love this book "Ride Your Way Lean" - SELENE YEAGER lot of tips on cycling . Bicycle Magazine site also has some good tips.


    Lots of good info here- thanks to everyone! I have a hybrid also and this does sometimes happen to me-- not pain just numbness and uncomfortable. I'm looking for a bike shop to see what recommendations they may have for me in general so my rides are smoother.
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    Sounds like the change in seat should help the sensation problems, but for the UTI problem, make sure all your undies and workout clothes are cotton in the crotch. And don't use scented anything down there.

    Yes on no scented stuff...no no no no no to cotton...cotton absorbs moisture and is a breeding ground for lovely things like yeast. Your best bet for bottoms would be a padded cycling short and NO panties. Undies have seams that will chafe the heck out of you and are not designed for riding.

    A different saddle is a good idea. Don't be afraid of a narrower, firmer saddle. Smooshy saddles are bad news. Your sit bones displace that squishy stuff, then it ends up jammed forward, into your girl parts. A firmer saddle will make your butt hurt, temporarily. Eventually your sit bones toughen-up. Butt pain is good--crotch pain is not good.

    A cut-out on a saddle can be very helpful, but, again...if you are on a soft saddle with a cut-out all that padding is likely to end up smooshed over the cut-out, rendering it useless.

    I personally have not had great luck with cut-outs. What I really like is the sort of dent in the front of Bontrager's InForm Affinity saddles. They also come in specific widths to match your sit bones. If you go to a Trek dealer they can have you sit on a special pad that takes this measurement.

    Also, those noseless saddles are bad news. They reduce your lateral control of the bike. Most people don't realize how much they use their thighs to control/steer a bike.

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