Bladder pain from bike seat?

[Butternut]

I have gained weight since IC started last fall. I found a ladies bike tonight that looked sturdy, brought it home and sat on the seat....immediate bladder pain. DH lowered (tilted down) the front of the seat. Tomorrow I will try riding.

Anyone experience this problem? Is there a bike seat that I wouldn't have to straddle? How did you solve this problem if you had or do you have any ideas for me? I REALLY need to exercise. Thanks.

[poetgirl]

I've heard that the bike seats that have the middle cut out (more like a butterfly style) are supposed to be helpful for reducing pressure on the vaginal/perineal area. Is that what you have?

[Butternut]

I guess I need to go to a bikeshop and see what is available. Thanks.

[poetgirl]

This is basically the style I am referring to:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=5802&subcategory_ID=5211

Usually those big wide saddles like you see on touring bikes end up placing more -- not less -- pressure where you want it. Or, you can try this one, which is wide, but if you notice, does not have much of a "nose", which is usually what presses on the vaginal/urethral area:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=13378

Hope that helps! I had one horrid day when I borrowed a relative's bike to ride around on and the seat was like concrete. I was walking like John Wayne for a day or two after that!

[dg2901]

Bike seats kill my vaginal/urethral/bladder areas. I havent found one yet that works. I love riding and have 2 bikes, however theyre in the garage hanging up collecting dust.
Hopefull you'll find that works for you and can enjoy riding.

stay well
and happy peddaling.
diana

[IWin]

Wear riding shorts with a padded seat. They are expensive, but well worth it. Wear them without underwear to avoid friction (that's what they are meant for).

Also, there is cream, Butt'R Cream (or something like that) that you can spread liberally over sensitive areas before putting on shorts. About $12 per bottle, but worth 12 million! If you find it irritating (I don't, I love it) probably something like Astroglide would work (but this would be much more expensive).

And as the other ladies said, a proper ladies seat is essential. Talk to them at the bike shop...you don't have to tell them everything, but just matter of factly say you've got some "issues" in that area. Believe me, they will help (even if they're men).

[Cricketmk3]

I had been flare free for almost 2 years until I went bike riding one day and the pain was just like the pain I had when I first started suffering with IC. I don't think I'll try bike riding again and it's such a shame because I live next to a wonderful bike trail that runs for miles and miles and I love to ride my bike!

[Yogajo37]

I have found that the pain I get after riding is more PFD...I get irritated by the bumps in the road. I have also found ....believe it or not.... a harder split seat is better than a cushioned on. I have found the cushoned one made for more friction. My sit bones were sore at first but I got over that. I have had to stop riding outside and once my PFD chills out I am going to to try spinning... I miss my bike! Before IC I used to do 150 miles a week.