SOS for “down there” swelling

Q:

Now that the weather’s warm, I’ve been riding my bicycle as often as possible. But after a longer-thanusual ride yesterday, my labia are swollen and sore. Help!

A:

You’re not alone—an estimated 60 percent of cyclists report genital discomfort after a long bike ride since the seat puts pressure on delicate tissues, causing inflammation and soreness.

The first step to feeling better is to stay off your bike until the soreness subsides. In the meantime, apply aloe vera or coconut oil to the irritated area, wear loose-fitting garments to minimize friction and pour 2 cups of Epsom salts into a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes a day to help ease your symptoms within two to three days.

And making a few changes to the way you ride can help prevent this from happening again. Try raising your bike’s handlebars to keep you more upright and reduce pressure on the labia. Also smart: Wear bike shorts with a padded crotch and switch to a “nose-less” saddle that reduces contact between the seat and your vulval area.