I find it interesting that I was only able to get a handful of actual mature responses. The pads themselves aren't grotesque at all. Sure they were designed for a specific purpose but as it goes in real life, an object can be used for just about anything (i.e. a rock could be used to start fires). Because I was having a temporary issue with discomfort, the pad helped at the moment. I was able to go 10 miles of riding without feeling much discomfort as opposed to feeling the pain after 2 miles if I hadn't used the pad. For some reason, people fear that because pads are for women only, men would be shunned for using it. Well, I say real men have confidence and will use whatever makes them feel comfortable. If you fear that someone might catch you wearing a pad, then I question your motive (why would someone see you wear a pad in the first place?). Silliness.

It was a novel idea that most of us had never heard of.

OK, I have to admit my first reaction was "Ewwwww". Really, all it really is is a wad of absorbent cotton. Heck, is it any stranger than the unnatural bulges and lumps of cycling shorts? It's not like anyone is going to look to see if you're wearing "manly" chamois or a girly pad. I'm too long in the tooth to really care what others think if something works.

A bit unusual, but why not?

Next time you go get some more pads, see if you can find thicker skin as well. Nyuk, nyuk.

+1 to dengidog.

I just started cycling, thompson -- I'll get thicker skin sooner or later.

My Dad told me most of the men in his infantry wore sanitary napkins in their boots for long marches. He served in Europe during WWII.

+1

Also handy as trauma dressings.

The irony of all this is that a TV ad is airing here in Australia that shows "alternative" uses for pads. A guy ends up doing ninja type moves with pads stuck all over his arms, hards, head and torso... only to get caught out by his girlfriend walking through the front door with her parents. It might have been slightly humorous the first time, but isn't anymore.

Glad to read the OP is getting a B17 and bike shorts. Hopefully, they will relieve the problems with perineum chafe.

A comfortable saddle, quality padded cycling shorts, and a sprinkling of corn starch on the pad (clean with disinfectant everyday to control bacteria) works for me.