In 2023, Huang Ting Ying, cyclist representing Chinese Taipei, had to stop training because of an unusual injury.
Her injury and sickness history included a slipped disc at her lower back, a hip impingement, rhabdomyolysis (she trained so hard until the muscle broke down and resulted in kidney failure), to name but a few. This time she trained even harder, until there was something wrong with the down under.
Women cyclists are shy away to talk about discomforts on saddle contact. It can cost them opportunities to cycle fast and compete. It can be simply ignored in a male dominated coaching, bike fitter and support system. Regardless of gender, 70% of recreational cyclists continue to pedal despite having discomforts in the body. Let alone the professionals, who consider cycling as their bread and butter.
One side of her vulva grew larger because of repetitive friction and stress on the saddle. In the medical community, the condition is called perineal nodular induration (PNI). There are rarely any cancerous tissues that grow for this condition; some of these cases can be treated conservatively. However, there are case reports that they need a surgical incision to remove the excess soft tissue (including Ting Ying’s)
Another not to be missed condition is pudenal neuralgia. Again, this is a condition from prolonged sitting on a cycling saddle. The condition requires attention from an anaesthetist (medical doctor specialized in pain) and requires medication or a nerve block. In some cases, doctors refer patients for physiotherapy for electrotherapy and other pain relief modalities. Sometimes cyclists require bike fitters’ or physiotherapists’ input for better sitting posture on the bike.
She had the surgery done, recovered well and returned to training.
I wonder whether it can save their bottom if the conversation starts earlier. We need a safer environment for women cyclists to share their discomfort and concerns on the saddle.
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