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Before You've Been Diagnosed

Maybe you’re experiencing some abnormal saddle pain (sensations like pinching, burning, numbness). Or maybe you sometimes have alarming symptoms off the bike (pain with urination or arousal). Maybe you’re experiencing a myriad of other strange symptoms that you don’t quite understand but you know something is wrong. What do you do?

  • Don’t keep riding through saddle pain
    You’re tough. You’re a cyclist and suffering is your pride and joy. This is an area where pain is NOT ok. Bike fits can be expensive but they’re crucial to ensure you’re staying healthy. If you’re experiencing pain that isn’t muscular (pain that feels like burning, shooting, aching, tingling), stop before things get worse and get a professional fit. Tell your fitter all the symptoms you’re experiencing, even if you consider them embarrassing or uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
  • Don’t panic
    Stress and anxiety will heighten symptoms of pudendal neuralgia, so if you do in fact have it, panicking will make you feel a whole lot worse. This is much easier said than done, but seriously, try to relax. You will find answers and you will be fine. Meditate, learn to relax your body, take CBD, do whatever you need to do to chill out.
  • Don’t try to self-diagnose through the internet
    When you search the internet about health issues, it will lead you down many dark holes that usually end with “you have cancer”. Don’t do it. Searching the internet can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, which will exacerbate your symptoms. Seek out a medical professional instead.
  • Don’t keep riding through saddle pain
    You’re tough. You’re a cyclist and suffering is your pride and joy. This is an area where pain is NOT ok. Bike fits can be expensive but they’re crucial to ensure you’re staying healthy. If you’re experiencing pain that isn’t muscular (pain that feels like burning, shooting, aching, tingling), stop before things get worse and get a professional fit. Tell your fitter all the symptoms you’re experiencing, even if you consider them embarrassing or uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
  • Don’t panic
    Stress and anxiety will heighten symptoms of pudendal neuralgia, so if you do in fact have it, panicking will make you feel a whole lot worse. This is much easier said than done, but seriously, try to relax. You will find answers and you will be fine. Meditate, learn to relax your body, take CBD, do whatever you need to do to chill out.
  • Don’t try to self-diagnose through the internet
    When you search the internet about health issues, it will lead you down many dark holes that usually end with “you have cancer”. Don’t do it. Searching the internet can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, which will exacerbate your symptoms. Seek out a medical professional instead.

After You've Been Diagnosed

You’ve seen your doctor and they believe you have pudendal neuralgia. Maybe they refer you to a pelvic floor specialist or maybe you find another doctor or PT on your own. You’re starting to get treatment and are wondering “When will I feel better?” and “When will I get to ride my bike again?”. Here are some things to keep in mind during your recovery process.

  • Don’t keep riding through saddle pain
    You’re tough. You’re a cyclist and suffering is your pride and joy. This is an area where pain is NOT ok. Bike fits can be expensive but they’re crucial to ensure you’re staying healthy. If you’re experiencing pain that isn’t muscular (pain that feels like burning, shooting, aching, tingling), stop before things get worse and get a professional fit. Tell your fitter all the symptoms you’re experiencing, even if you consider them embarrassing or uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
  • Don’t panic
    Stress and anxiety will heighten symptoms of pudendal neuralgia, so if you do in fact have it, panicking will make you feel a whole lot worse. This is much easier said than done, but seriously, try to relax. You will find answers and you will be fine. Meditate, learn to relax your body, take CBD, do whatever you need to do to chill out.
  • Don’t try to self-diagnose through the internet
    When you search the internet about health issues, it will lead you down many dark holes that usually end with “you have cancer”. Don’t do it. Searching the internet can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, which will exacerbate your symptoms. Seek out a medical professional instead.
  • Don’t keep riding through saddle pain
    You’re tough. You’re a cyclist and suffering is your pride and joy. This is an area where pain is NOT ok. Bike fits can be expensive but they’re crucial to ensure you’re staying healthy. If you’re experiencing pain that isn’t muscular (pain that feels like burning, shooting, aching, tingling), stop before things get worse and get a professional fit. Tell your fitter all the symptoms you’re experiencing, even if you consider them embarrassing or uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
  • Don’t panic
    Stress and anxiety will heighten symptoms of pudendal neuralgia, so if you do in fact have it, panicking will make you feel a whole lot worse. This is much easier said than done, but seriously, try to relax. You will find answers and you will be fine. Meditate, learn to relax your body, take CBD, do whatever you need to do to chill out.
  • Don’t try to self-diagnose through the internet
    When you search the internet about health issues, it will lead you down many dark holes that usually end with “you have cancer”. Don’t do it. Searching the internet can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, which will exacerbate your symptoms. Seek out a medical professional instead.

Life with pudendal neuralgia is inherently challenging. Between navigating the healthcare system, managing physical symptoms, and grieving over the loss of your sport, it can feel overwhelming. There is little information on how to manage this process as a cyclist. This tips & advice section was created with the goal of providing a generic road map of how to manage life before and after your pudendal neuralgia diagnosis.

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Please note that these tips & advice are based off personal experiences and should not be substituted for professional medical advice. It's advised that you speak with your medical care provider before changing your daily routine or adjusting your approach to recovery.

Tips & Advice

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