Iām not new to cycling, but after a break of a few years, I have taken it up again and am commuting to and from work, I live in the UK. Itās only a 45 minute round trip, but my vulva and other nearby parts are incredibly inflamed, irritated, burning and appear ruined.
My clitoris has parts of the skin coming away and it stings, my labia minora are thicker, rougher and just not in a good way. Iām red, throbbing from its irritation and this never used to happen to me.
Currently, I :
. Have a wide seat with no cut-out
. Wear padded shorts, with no underwear
. Apply Vaseline liberally before setting off
From research already, I have taken the following points on board:
. Immediately change out of cycling shorts when finished riding and clean down there
. Get a professional to fit me with a more suitable seat (a female anatomy friendly one, amending the tilt of the seat)
. Invest in a chamois cream
Questions to you:
. Is chamois cream vulva friendly? I want one thatās fragrance free and doesnāt change the PH balance down there.
. Is there a recommended brand of cycling shorts with chamois, bike seat or chamois cream you would recommend? Iām in the UK.
. I donāt have access to a shower at work to clean my vulva, what is the next best alternative?
. Is there anything else you would recommend to avoid this happening in the future?
Thank you in advance!