Bicycle-appropriate panties required?

[clarinka.livejournal.com]

I have recently started riding my bike around town again, and I have discovered something that I don't like at all. It seems that if I ride for more than 20 minutes wearing American Apparel boy-cut panties or a cloth pad, I get blisters on my outer labia! I'm pretty certain it's not herpes because these lesions occur pretty much exclusively while I am on a bicycle, and I've been tested in the past year for herpes and I am without antibodies for types 1 and 2, and I am in a monogamous relationship of a year and a half.

What I want to know is: does anyone else ever have bicycle-related vulva blisters? What seems to cause them more often, and what fixed them? My roommate suggests sport panties, but I want to see if there's a quicker fix at home. I just don't wear the offending panties on days that I bike (easy enough), but for IUD-related reasons I'm using cloth pads a lot for the next three months before I switch back to a cup.

Comments

[breesteinke.livejournal.com]

Dont wear panties when you ride. Seriously. Get a decent pair of bike shorts. They are meant to be worn without panties. Also chamois butter. Its a cream that's made to go on your bits and the chamois (pad) of the shorts. You can buy it at bike shops or if you cant find it, diaper cream or bag balm serves the same purpose. Also, I understand not wanting to use the cup or a few cycles. I had the same thought when I got my IUD but just couldnt stand it and lasted only a day. I started using my cup right away and everything was fine.

[clarinka.livejournal.com]

that was one of my plans for this afternoon, and one of my eventual plans for my stimulus package: lots of athletic gear.

[breesteinke.livejournal.com]

Good gear is essential and chamois cream is fantastic. I ride very long distances (1oo+) miles with no problems with the combination of the two. If you dont like the idea of riding around in bike shorts, a lot of companies are making cute riding skirts with the shorts built in now. Check out www.teamestrogen.com they have a whole section of skirts and skorts. They also have detailed information on the pads that are in the shorts they sell.

[clarinka.livejournal.com]

I had been eyeing a pair of sugoi tri shorts at the local running shop. I'm normally a 35-mile/week runner, but i've added some biking to not destroy my joints, and the adjustment is... interesting. I know i need the right gear, but it's hard to figure out sometimes what that is for me. I have no fear of spandex, just of buying stuff i don't actually need. Turns out I actually need some bike shorts, i guess.

[breesteinke.livejournal.com]

I LOVE sugoi tri shorts. I ride in them up to about 50 miles. Past that I use more padded shorts. Depending on the distance you are riding, tri shorts will most likely be sufficient. Sugoi makes quality stuff. Their tri shorts have a minimal chamois because they are designed to be worn during the entire triathlon so they dry quickly after the swim and arent too bulky to run in. They are very comfortable. I usually buy mine from sportsbasement.com because they have decent prices. I would definately recommend them. Just remember no undies and chamois butter and you'll be golden.

[clarinka.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the endorsement! I love sugoi running tights, because they're durable and feel good and their winter weight ones actually keep me warm in sub 10degree F weather, which is amazing. I'm glad for the rec on their tri shorts. My housemate works at this running shop that sells them, so i get a considerable discount on their wares, and it's supporting local business, etc etc. The vote of confidence is great! Thanks.

[breesteinke.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! I also run in their tights and love them. I have some of their bike jerseys and swimsuits as well and all of their products are well made, comfortable and last long. Happy riding!