Lichen Sclerosis and riding a bike

@diamonddi - Hi! I have not been told NOT to do anything - I even asked if, after healing from this year's 2 excision/ablation procedures, I could take a bath again; and that was OK'd right away.

Recently also I'd read somewhere where those with LS were saying that only cotton pantyliners should be used. I just asked my gyne oncol about this, and she was not aware of this, or that these existed. I just saw some in the grocery store, but didn't invest yet. So I don't know about this caution, if it's needed or not.

Otherwise, I have not heard or read in any of my research that diet or exercise or any other activity should be avoided. What I have experienced, and do believe, as is stated often, is that stress can exacerbate the LS condition.

So far, I have not had any success in removing stress (Ha!) - and, if anything, it only seems to get more intense (the sources of stress) as I get older. However, that is probably a relative perception.

Of course, just having seen my gyne oncol for a 3-month follow-up, only to find there are 2 new lesions - is certainly likely to contribute to some increased LS discomfort at times!!

Well, I just keep up with the Clobetasol, and now the Imiquimod (though applying it is very difficult to do accurately, so I sure hope I'm doing it adequately!!). I'd sent a note to this Dr. through the hospital portal, and hope to hear something more specific about how to apply it early next week.

Best wishes. Maybe ask your gynecologist, if you feel they are knowledgeable about LS. Otherwise, I would strongly recommend seeing a gyne oncologist, if you haven't already.

diamonddi: This is an interesting question, one I never considered. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. I never received any instructions from my gynecologist; however, I can see how frequent and/or lengthy bike rides might cause irritation of the vulvar area. My LS diagnosis came only 18 months ago and because I also have long covid I haven't been biking for a while. I did just fill up my tires though and am ready to try a short trip. I'm going to get informed about padded seats at my local bike shop. I'll let you know what they say.

I will be waiting to hear about that padded seat.
I thought maybe changing out the bike seat for one of those old fashioned tractor seats with padding added?

I don't have a gyne..I went to my primary care dr (an interest) who diagnosed the LS. She sent me to a dermatologist who sent me to a dr. who specializes in LS (in Chicago) They all told me the exact same thing, Clobetasol 3 times a week, when a flare up use 2 weeks straight and one week off. Then continue the 3 times a week routine. I guess I will just stick with my primary care doc.

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" .

THANK YOU so much! I will check out the site.

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.

I had to quit biking a few years ago because the movement was just too much for the LS, and finally parted with my bike recently. I’ve had three surgeries to remove scarring & closure already and just couldn’t do more to aggravate the LS. Every case is different. Only you will know if it becomes too much for you. Ride till you can’t is my suggestion. @kayabbott has given supportive suggestions!

Thank you for your comments about biking...I am going to try one more time just for a short period of time.