cycling and incontinence

I've been cycling for exercise the past few months and notice when I do long rides my incontinence rises. Typically if I do a 20 km ride I'll leak a bit more but can sometimes keep it at my 1 pad per day level. Earlier this week I did a 40 km ride and next day went through 3 pads. Today I`m back to about 1 third of a light pad.

Anyone have any idea if I`m hurting myself and my continence, I use a seat with the groove for anatomy to keep pressure off the perinium but I admit it sometimes does go numb down there when on long rides. I love the road bike and would hate to lose it.

I`d like opinions and experiences of others if you`re a cyclist.

thanks

r

i incurred a chronic perineal injury years ago from cycling.  i gave up the sport for a few years but eventually returned after discovering the spiderflex saddle which puts no pressure on the perineal region.  i tried other saddles but the spiderflex was the best. 

ed

 

I ride a road bike and agree adjust the saddle. I am investigating the Adamo Saddle. A buddy of mine said I can try his out before I spring for a new one that may not be any better. Do a google search and check it out.

Cajun Jeff

Hello Arch, 

  One thought on borrowing a saddle, it's been broken in for someone else's butt!  Although it may be a starting point on finding a better fit.  On a road bike I personally wouldn't skip having a horn, sharp turns and 100 psi skinny tires don't fair well without your butt and upper inner legs having a firm grip.  Then again you may not be doing circuit riding.

  I have an "open" style saddle (looks very similar to you Body Geometry) on my hybrid, works very well to keep the added pressure off the lower end.

  Try to move the saddle forward and keep the widest part under your hip bones.

Tilt the saddle downwards very slightly, if your hands get numb it's down to much.

  This is the hardest part of a bicycle to get adjusted properly. Saddle height is another factor that maybe causing you pain, often in this case it's set to high.  A good part of your weight is to be carried on the pedals and not the seat.  The lower you can make your center of gravity the better.   It's very expensive to keep buying and trying saddles until you find the right one.  If you have a good LBS that does fittings, go and get yourself one.

i ride also, but i ride recumbents. have done so for 14 years after i started having prostate problems. most recent bike is a recubent trike. no leakage problems, no back problems, no sore sholders or wrists. i have a mountian bike also wich i ride now and agin. but as far as a road bike i would never go back to an upright.