How Cycling Can Lead to Erectile Dysfunction
October 8, 2021
During the Pandemic, cycling became one of the more popular sports for getting outside and burning off pinned up energy. This popular form of aerobic exercise has long been a cheap, economical mode of transportation that burns calories while strengthening muscles but maybe not without consequences. Although many Americans occasionally ride bicycles for fun, others take the sport much more seriously and competitive cyclists often spend hours in the saddle every day.
Unfortunately for those of us with a penis, one of the most overlooked problems of pounding out the miles on something they call a seat can be erectile dysfunction. Moreover, unintended sexual health problems are not just limited to two-wheel enthusiasts. The 4th Century Greek physician Hippocrates, who is considered the father of modern medicine, was the first to identify sexual issues in males who were constantly jolted in the saddle on horseback.
ED linked to pressure put on pudendal artery
According to Harvard Health, it is nerve damage that causes the penile numbness reported by male bikers. Due to pressure put on the pudendal nerve and artery, both sensation and blood to the genitalia is affected. Moreover, temporary or prolonged erectile dysfunction can be caused by a bicycle's narrow seat, which can reduce blood flow to the penis by as much as 2/3rd the normal flow. Even using a broader seat can still reduce the flow by 25% or more. Studies also have shown that riders who use no-nose seats report far less penile numbness than those using a standard saddle. Men who ride regularly have a higher risk of testicular damage and impaired testicular function than the occassional rider. Off-road cyclists are at a higher risk of experiencing scrotal abnormalities than road cyclists simply due to the seat pounding on the rider's nerves and blood vessels. Obviously, there is a greater incidence of erectile problems in men who cycle longer distances as well as those who ride more often.
The penis actually does not end where it appears to. In fact, its origin is deep within the scrotum under the skin where it is attached to the pelvic bones between the scrotum and the anus. So, the primary problem is the saddle. When a man sits in a chair, his weight is distributed evenly across both buttocks, and this takes pressure off the perineum. Conversely, sitting on even the most plush bicycle seat puts pressure on and compresses scrotal nerves and arteries. The reduced blood flow eventually can lead to a loss of sensation or numbness as well as temporary or prolonged problems with erectile function. Injuries to the arterial lining can result in inflammation and narrowing of the penile arteries. For most forms of cycling, this can be caused by small chronic repetitive injuries or from a sudden blow during a BMX or mountain biking fall or crash. Injuries within Alcock’s canal can severely compromise blood supply to the penis that can cause erectile dysfunction immediately, or sexual health issues that can develop years later.
How a cyclist can reduce his risk of ED
The Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS) was a cross-sectional research project that included over 1700 male cyclists with varying levels of commitment to the sport. Conducted from 1987 to 1989, the MMAS included recreational riders, occasional riders, stationary bikers, avid cyclists, and competitive bikers. Blood samples, physiological measures, socio-demographic variables, psychological indexes, and information on health status, medications, smoking, and lifestyle were collected by trained interviewers in the subject's home. A key finding of the MMAS revealed that cyclists who rode for more than 3 hours per week were more likely to have arterial blockage and long-term damage to their penis. Furthermore, any compromise to penile blood supply also compromised urethral blood flow. Cigarette smoking was noted as having the greater probability of complete impotence, especially in men with heart disease and hypertension.
So, what can you do as a cyclist to protect and restore good sexual health? First, you should weigh the risks versus benefits of why you choose to ride bicycles. Secondly, you should mitigate some of the risk of riding more than three hours per week and where possible make changes, such as:
- Change your seat shape – A study published in European Urology found narrow seats, seats with a V-shape, and a protruding or long saddle nose decreased oxygen to the penis by up to 80%.
- Wear padded bike shorts – All of the riders in the Tour de France wear padded bike shorts made specifically for long distance excursions. You also can wear padded gear under your cargo shorts if you prefer.
- Mix up bicycle type used for training – Switch to a recumbent bike for some of your workout. Cyclists on a long-distance ride may decrease the risk of ED by riding a road bicycle instead of a mountain bicycle.
- Lower your handlebar height – A study in the Journal of Urology concluded that a handlebar height parallel with or higher than the saddle height increased the risk of ED.
- Better manage exercise regime – Make the hours you spend in the saddle part of a well-rounded exercise routine. Simple things like standing up on the pedals when you coast or climb can help.
- Observe the warning signs of doing too much – Watch for signs of perineal numbness or tingling in the penis and take a break. Routinely, get off your bicycle and walk alongside. If problems persist, stop riding for a week.
Finally, you should seek the advice of a medical professional like Dr. Earl Eye who specializes in men’s sexual health at GAINSWave Jacksonville. Anytime a month goes by, and you still have trouble achieving an erection, it is time for a check-up. In most cases, you don’t have to give up cycling just because you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction. Dr. Eye will help you identify what’s causing your problem and suggest a solution to restore your sex life safely and effectively.
