There is a risk for men who ride bicycles that pads and a helmet cannot help.
A constricting bicycle saddle could damage male reproductive organs, leading to possible erectile dysfunction and nerve damage, scientific study finds appearing in the journal Sports Medicine.
Scientists now suggest that typical male cyclists should get up on their pedals about every 10 minutes during a ride to avoid injury or long-term side effects that could affect their ability to have sex or have children.
Polish researchers have compiled and reviewed 22 recent studies on bicycle seat pain and injury and described the best solutions to prevent saddle soreness, such as the “noseless” style, which removes the narrow part seen on traditional seats to reduce pressure. on the genitals.
“Many men suffer from discomfort when riding a bicycle, and there are fears that this could lead to sexual problems,” said the study’s lead author, Kamil Litwinowicz. told the Daily Mail. “However, there is also strong evidence that being sedentary is linked to erectile dysfunction, so cycling as a form of activity may reduce this risk.”
Previous search showed that conventional bicycle seats can put pressure on sensitive nerve endings in the crotch area for both men and women, which could eventually cause damage and numbness during repeated rides. Such a study found that 91% of male cyclists experience a loss of sensation around their private parts after riding. However, findings related to erectile dysfunction or infertility are mixed and limitedbecause a study published in the Journal of Urology in 2018 found that the sexual and urinary health of cyclists is comparable to that of runners and swimmers.
Researchers at the Medical University of Wroclaw analyzed past results on various bicycle constructions to determine which best reduces pressure on male genitalia, looking at factors such as seat cushion, handlebars and bike shorts. bike.
The noseless saddle came on top of all the other modifications, according to the review – as evidenced by one particular study bicycle police. After six months of using a noseless saddle, the number who said numbness was not a problem increased from 27% to 82%. Police officers also reported fewer ED experiences after the ride.
The researchers warn that noseless seats take practice, as they can make driving less stable. But if men can handle it, they say this style can help improve blood flow to the genitals compared to other seats.
The study concluded: “Current evidence supports the use of noseless saddles as a means of reducing the negative impact of cycling on penile oxygen pressure. Standing on the pedals every ten minutes could be an effective and potentially widely applicable strategy.
For those who don’t want to switch seats, regularly standing on the bike pedals while riding is the best way to prevent numbness and subsequent erectile dysfunction, as six previous studies mentioned in the new report had shown that the simple Sitting on a bike can slow circulation and therefore increase blood pressure in the area.
According to Litwinowicz, “We don’t want men to stop riding bikes, but rather to consider things like standing on the pedals or using a different saddle.”
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