Over the years, bicycles and bicycle seats have undergone numerous changes in design, continuously offering improved comfort. However, it remains common for cyclists to experience discomfort or even pain around the pelvis area. If you notice that cycling causes soreness around your pelvic bones, your hip muscles or your genital area, take a break from the sport and watch for changes in your symptoms. Consult with your primary care provider about treatment so that you can resume biking comfortably.
Cyclist's Syndrome
If you experience soreness in the pelvis, sitz bones, perineum or genitals, you may be experiencing a relatively common disorder among cyclists, accordingly termed "cyclist's syndrome." Besides the soreness, symptoms may include sexual dysfunction or difficulty urinating or defecating. The problems are due to compression of the pudendal nerve, due to the bicycle seat, and tension in the hips, due to the continuous pedaling movement. If you notice any combination of these symptoms, consult with your doctor. Common treatments include physical therapy, which works with the muscles and nerves to restore health and permit future cycling.
Possible Culprits: The Saddle
If you use a poorly designed saddle or a seat that simply doesn't suit your anatomy, it's likely that you'll develop pelvic discomfort or pain after a short while riding. Select a gender-appropriate seat, necessary because of the different sizes of male and female pelvises. Typically, a female seat is slightly shorter and wider than a male seat. The two bottom points of your pelvis, the "ischial tuberosities" or sitz bones, should be supported on the seat. If the nose part of the seat bothers you, try models that incorporate channels or holes into their designs. These seats may help relieve pressure on your nerves and improve posture.
Possible Culprits: Bicycle Setup
Even if you have the best bike and seat on the market, if you don't adjust it appropriately, you'll cycle with poor form and quickly experience discomfort or strain. Adjust the saddle so that your legs extend fully when you pedal, without shifting your hips. If you weigh over 250 lbs., you may need to use a seat post clamp to move your saddle at least an inch further forward.
Other Possible Causes
While it's most likely that a cyclist's soreness around the pelvis is due to the sport itself, it's also possible that you have a chronic pelvic pain condition. To rule out other possible causes, especially if discomfort continues when you stop cycling, consult with your doctor. A wide range of conditions can cause pain in the pelvis area, including irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, fibroids or chronic stress.
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