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Lichen Sclerosis and riding a bike

Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Jul 21 5:50pm | Replies (9)

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@kayabbott

I bike a lot, up to 7000 mi/year and have a 70 yo crotch, an ischial hygroma, and manageable lichens (don't get me started on sports medicine doctors). Tractor-style bike seats are not as good as pressure-mapped regular bike seats. These are foam seats with different densities to better distribute pressure away from sensitive areas of the crotch; bike shops should carry some of the brands. One should also be biking with their hips rotated forward slightly so you can perch on your sitting bones (ischial tuberosities) rather than on your crotch. Padded spandex bike shorts exist for a purpose, and that is to decrease pressure down there. Better quality fairly tight-fitting shorts are good, cheap ones not so good. Smearing chamois cream over the crotch area before biking decreases friction, which also is better for lichens. If you really like to bike (great for those of us that no longer have knees), then a bike fit at a shop is recommended so that your technique/pressure distribution/safety/bike adjustment can be analyzed. If you like to bike, but a traditional road bike hurts your hands or crotch, then a more upright gravel bike with tubeless tires, a townie, or mountain bike are better. If these aren't enough then a recumbent bike takes the pressure off your crotch and can get you closer to the ground if you are afraid of falling. BTW, my best sports medicine doctor by far was a gynecologist who was also a triathlete. She knew what a female crotch and associated muscles/tendons/bones were. Consider also having pelvic floor PT; it helps with ischial hygroma lumps, ED, post pregnancy, prolapse, incontinence, and who knows what else. PT includes Kegel and a lot of other diaphragm strengthening steps. You can find more info searching with "biking with lichen sclerosis" .

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Replies to "I bike a lot, up to 7000 mi/year and have a 70 yo crotch, an ischial..."

Thank you so much @kayabbott. My local bike shop has only gel seats. I did find something with foam on line. I'll keep on looking.
Your experience is much appreciated.