Women who cycle have specific complaints

(by Hedwig Neels in Koersklap)

In *Koersklap*, Hedwig Neels, a women’s health and pelvic floor specialist, takes a closer look at specific intimate health issues women face when cycling. She collected more than 1,000 responses to a survey that provides insight into the nature and extent of these discomforts and possible remedies. 

Scientific research on these symptoms is scarce and therefore sorely needed. We are therefore very grateful to Hedwig for the pioneering role she plays in this field, and we are proud to be helping to establish and support her research on saddle pain and skin care at the University of Antwerp (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, MOVANT). 

LET’S GO DOWN UNDER

The pelvic floor and female genitalia are two topics that are still too often left unspoken. We’d like to change that. Research has shown that many women know very little about their own bodies down there and often wonder, in silence and with a blush on their cheeks, what is and isn’t normal.

We have no doubt that the pelvic floor and female genitalia—or vulvas— are under serious strain in women who ride bicycles.

More and more women are catching the cycling bug. More and more women’s cycling products and accessories are coming onto the market.

WHAT DOES THE SCIENCE SAY?

It turns out to be quite disappointing. As of today, not many scientific studies have been published on saddle-related symptoms in women. More research has been conducted on symptoms in men. Saddle-related symptoms, bladder issues, a burning sensation in the genital area, and even erectile dysfunction are examined in many studies.

But the scientific literature doesn’t address the specific issues female cyclists face or what they can do about them. So it’s time to change that. Conducting scientific research takes a lot of time, effort, and money. So before launching a project, we first wanted to know where we could really make a difference.

We launched an online survey with clear objectives: to find out what symptoms women experience and what they are already doing to prevent or treat those symptoms. But above all: what impact do these symptoms have on women? Do these symptoms even matter? Or do they not keep them awake at night?

WHAT DOES THE SURVEY SAY?

We’ve now collected more than 1,000 responses to that very first survey and would like to share a few insights.

98% of all participants cycle (occasionally) while experiencing symptoms. Pain (in 89%) and skin irritation (in 71%) are the most common symptoms, but swelling of the labia (in 42%) and a burning or tingling sensation in the pubic area (in 48%) are also common.

The best tips for preventing these symptoms:

• Get to know your body and take your time finding the best solutions for yourself.
• Trim your pubic hair short or shave it. But keep the timing in mind: don’t shave right before or after a bike ride. Waxing isn’t as suitable.
• Use "chamois cream," "saddle cream," or petroleum jelly to prevent chafing. You can apply it to your cycling shorts and your outer labia.
• Don't wear underwear under your bib shorts to avoid chafing.
• Find a good chamois pad that provides enough cushioning for your vulva and also just inside your sit bones, where those nerve fibers run.
• Find a comfortable riding position and a comfortable bike seat.
• Are you experiencing swelling? After cycling, you may want to apply a cold pack to your vulva for about ten minutes.
• Do you have any pain, cuts, or swelling? Clean the area and be a little more careful during sex.
• Be sure to care for and moisturize the skin of your vulva after a ride, but use natural products (e.g., shinncare).
• Avoid using harsh soap or shower products; instead, use only feminine wash gels or creams that don’t disrupt your pH balance too much.
• Don't walk around with a wet, sweaty chamois after cycling. It's a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause infections or fungal growth.
• Wash your cycling shorts after every ride to prevent bacteria from building up. Avoid fabric softener, as it’s too harsh for your intimate area.
• Tingling? Numbness? Stand up on the pedals regularly and try to find a better position or saddle.

These tips can help alleviate many of your symptoms. Nevertheless, 60% of all women who sometimes experience symptoms while cycling have not yet found an ideal solution. Upon further inquiry into the impact of these symptoms, we learn that some women do not find them particularly bothersome, but that one in two is less sexually active due to the symptoms and more frequently experiences negative feelings of shame and discomfort. 28% of participants also indicated that they cycle less or have even stopped cycling altogether because of the symptoms.

STILL A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE

We absolutely need to make it easier to talk about these intimate issues within the women’s cycling community. Through The Women Peloton and The Pelvic Floor, we aim to empower women to take good care of their bodies and continue to enjoy cycling.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Check out even more tips in *Velo vrouwen*, a book packed with advice for female cyclists, by Elke Bleyaert and team (Lannoo), or visit the online platforms www.thewomenpeloton.be and www.thepelvicfloor.be (also on Instagram and Facebook).

WHO IS HEDWIG NEELS?

The author of this article, Hedwig Neels, is a women’s health and pelvic floor specialist at the University of Antwerp and practices at the UZA. She is the founder of The Pelvic Floor, an online platform dedicated to breaking the taboo surrounding pelvic floor issues; the author of *The Pelvic Floor Book*; an enthusiastic expert on The Women Peloton platform; and an avid cyclist.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Cycling teams or sponsors interested in contributing to groundbreaking and important research can contact Hedwig Neels of The Pelvic Floor at info@thepelvicfloor.be.