Limestone Ledger

BLOOMINGTON, IN – Hilly Hundred officials announced a partnership with an organization that highlights one of the least talked about injuries in competitive cycling.

Perineum Injury Survivor Services (PISS) is a nonprofit that works to bring attention to the dangers of ignoring signs of trauma to a critical, yet socially taboo, part of the body.

“We have to normalize talking about the perineum,” said Director Samuel King. “It’s the space between our genitalia and anus; there, I said it.”

The perineum is often a punchline, with nicknames such as ‘gooch’ and ‘taint.’

However, studies show that nearly 90% of perineum injuries go unreported, in large part due to the difficulty showing the area to a medical professional.

“Patients are reluctant to place their legs in pregnancy stirrups, elevate their pelvis, and point to the exact spot between their anus and genitals where they feel the most pain,” said ER physician Dana Reynolds.

Hilly Hundred organizers feel a responsibility for the awareness campaign given the vast majority of perineum trauma occurs while cycling.

“It’s time we play an active role in combating the stigma,” said public relations officer Kyla Goodwin. “When we learned that perineum injuries can lead to sexual dysfunction and walking with a permanent waddle, we knew we had to act.”

The upcoming Hilly Hundred will be staffed by volunteers handing out flyers with graphic images of perineum bruising, swelling, and tears.