The Secret Health
Danger for Cyclists
Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Recently,
a patient shared a very private and personal health concern. I believe it's an important issue for many
active men. A few weeks ago a young man came into my office and was
complaining about getting an erection. I found it extremely odd
since he was young and in the best shape of his life. After going
over his medical history and lifestyle, I discovered that he spent
long hours on a new racing bike every weekend.
If you are a cyclist or you know
someone who is, then you need to be aware of how this exercise can
have hidden risks to your sex life.
The Connection Between Cycling
and Erectile Dysfunction
The two leading causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) are usually
diabetes and hypertension. But with my patient who was in excellent
health, I knew the cause of his erectile dysfunction must be hiding
elsewhere - and I discovered it could easily be from cycling.
In recent years, several studies have been conducted to determine
why biking is sometimes responsible for ED. The trouble starts when
pressure is exerted on the perineum for prolonged periods.
The arteries and nerves leading to the penis pass along this area between the scrotum and anus. The typical posture of a
cyclist - leaning over the handle bars and distributing most of one's
weight on the perineum - can damage these nerves over time, putting
men at risk for pain, numbness and ED.
Unfortunately, competitive racers and Olympians are not the only
ones who suffer from cycling-related ED. If you spend over 3 hours
in the saddle every week, you may be at risk too. Early signs of
erectile problems include tingling and numbness. Not all men who do
a lot of riding will suffer from ED, and most doctors do not
recommend giving up cycling for good. If you think you're at risk,
there are steps you can take to prevent and reverse cycling-related
ED.
Getting Back in the Saddle
The most effective way to prevent ED is to replace a standard racing
saddle with the "no-nose" style saddle. These wider saddles make it
easier to distribute body weight more evenly, taking pressure off
the perineum and shifting it to the sitz bones. Competitive riders
believe the nose helps them gain greater control, but recreational
cyclists should sacrifice a small amount of power for healthier
sexual function. One study showed just a 20% reduction in blood flow
to the penis in men using no-nose saddles compared with an 80%
reduction for riders in traditional seats.
If you have to ride a bike with a regular seat, make sure it is
positioned parallel to the ground or tilted slightly downward. This
can take some pressure off the perineum, along with sitting up
straight rather than leaning your body forward. For optimal comfort,
you should also be sure to adjust the handle bar and seat heights to
fit your body.
Finally, remember to spend some time hovering above the saddle
during long rides. This shift in position will get blood flowing
while taking pressure off the perineum. Plus, it is a great way to
tone the muscles in your lower body. If you love cycling as much as
my patient, giving up your favorite hobby would be an unpleasant decision. If you take a few simple precautions, you will be able to
enjoy your rides without the worry of erectile dysfunction.
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Mark Rosenberg, M.D. is Doctor of Medicine at Georgetown University School
of Medicine, Emergency Medicine, a Diplomat of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine,
a Certified
Consultant National Strength and Conditioning Association, Director
and Founder of The Institute for Healthy Aging, and a Former Nationally
Competitive Gymnast and Fitness Expert. |
the task of unscrambling the complexities of female desire, arousal
and satisfaction.