Breaking the Cycle: Addressing the Concerns of Cycling and Male Fertility
Prolonged cycling on a poorly fitted bicycle saddle may be associated with erectile dysfunction [ED] - more commonly in older men. The risk depends upon many factors including:
The hours of cycling per week
The weight of the cyclist
The skill of the cyclist and bicycle fit
So how can bicycling lead to erectile dysfunction?
Prolonged pressure on the tissues of the perineum [the area of the groin between the penis and anus] can damage blood vessels and nerves responsible for erection, and spending excessive amounts of time in the same position on the saddle may cause temporary erectile dysfunction. this damage may become permanent if the tissues are continually damaged and not treated in a proper way.
Many factors increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction in cyclists. Some may include:
The weight of the cyclist - heavier riders put more pressure on the perineum.
The saddle design - some saddles increase pressure on the perineum.
Cycling intensity.
Studies have found that racing cyclists offset much of the weight on the saddle by keeping so much of their body weigh on the peddles. This in turn, reduces the pressure on the perineum.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction in Male Cyclists
The good news is that nearly every cyclist who experiences erectile dysfunction or impotence will have symptoms before the problem becomes serious. Reduced blood flow to the perineum causes pain, numbness or tingling in the perineum long before men develop ED. If you don’t have problems with pain, numbness or tingling, stop worrying and enjoy the ride. If you do have pain, address the problem before it gets worse.
Preventing Erectile Dysfunction
If you feel groin discomfort, pain, numbness while you are on the bike, take the following action:
If you are on a long ride, take a break, stand up on the pedals, stretch and adjust yourself untilnormal sensation returns.
During rides, change your position frequently by shifting forward, backward and standing.
Consider adjusting your bike seat to reduce pressure points.
Use a seat with a cutout to reduce pressure on the perineum.
Avoid seats with a lot of padding. Although it sounds comfortable, you will actually sink deeper into the saddle and feel more pressure and numbness.
Wear good cycling shorts with a comfortable pad.
Keep the seat level or angled, slightly downward, never tilt the seat upwards.
Raise the handlebars slightly so you are a bit more upright.
Change positions often during your rides.
Adjust your saddle height so that you knee is just slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal cycle.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions particularly diabetes, obesity, stress, high blood pressure, low testosterone, heart conditions, anxiety, use of tobacco can be contributing factors in ED. Some ED can be treated, but it depends on the cause. With the right diagnoses, support, and treatment, its possible for ED to be eliminated. If ignored, ED can lead to complications such as:
An unsatisfactory sex life
Low self-esteem
High anxiety
Relationship problems
Getting a partner pregnant also becomes difficult
Studies published in May 2014 in The journal of Sexual Medicine found that some men can reverse ED with healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
Exercise
Weight loss
Varied diet
Good sleep
Stopping smoking - particularly when ED is the result of vascular disease - which occurs where blood supply to the penis becomes restricted because of blockage or narrowing of the arteries.
