Exercise-Induced Vaginal Numbness: Is It Normal?

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Exercise-Induced Vaginal Numbness: Is It Normal?

If you feel numb after spinning or cycling workouts, you may be overcompressing nerves in your pubic region. Here, expert advice on adjusting your workout for your comfort.

By the Editors of Fitness Magazine

Question: "I feel a little numb "down there" after Spinning class. Is this dangerous?"

Answer: The numbness, caused by compressed nerves in your pubic area, is usually temporary, but frequent Spinning or cycling may up your risk of sexual-dysfunction. To prevent this, wear bike shorts that are padded in the seat, tip the bike-saddle nose down a tiny bit and focus on shifting your weight onto your butt, says Angela Smith, M.D., the president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine. Also, make sure the seat isn't too high (your knee should flex at about a 15-degree angle when the pedal is at its lowest point). If numbness persists for more than 24 hours, see your gynecologist.

Originally published in Fitness magazine.