In total, 620 out of 722 participants were eligible for inclusion, with a mean age of 37,4 years old (SD = 11.2) and a mean BMI of 23,7 (SD = 3.7). The majority of participants, or 84,7%, identified as a recreational cyclist, followed by 13,4% identifying as a competitive cyclist and 1,9% as a professional cyclist. Road cycling (n = 557/620), mountain biking (n = 174/620) and gravel (n = 123/620) appear to be the most popular cycling disciplines.
Preliminary results of the study show that 96% (n = 595/620) of participants has experienced at least one of the complaints that were investigated. The most reported complaint was genital pain (88,9%), succeeded by skin irritation (70,6%), genital tingling or numbness (47,4%) and lastly swelling of the labia (42,4%). Skin irritation and swelling of the labia had the most impact on female cyclists. A score of ≥ 6/10 was given by 68,3% and 54,4%, respectively, which indicates major to severe worrying or burden. As a result of the complaints, about half of the women (n = 298/595) experience sexual dysfunction, such as pain (n = 193/298) and less frequent sexual interaction (144/298). Moreover, 28,1% of women stated they cycle less frequently due to the complaints. When asked about which feelings the complaints evoked, frustration (n = 267/595) and embarrassment (123/595) were the most common.
The final part of the survey shows that women most frequently seek help online (27,7%) or from bike fit experts (19,7%). However, the majority of the participants did not seek help for their complaints (45,2%). The most commonly used measures to prevent or reduce complaints include adjusting posture while cycling (57,3%), wearing padded shorts (55,3%), changing the type of saddle (44,2%) and using chamois cream (39,7%). Of those listed above, changing the type of saddle (78,8%), wearing padded shorts (72,3%) and chamois cream (68,7%) were the most effective. Finally, 60% of the participants indicated they were still experiencing complaints at the current moment.