Sex and the cyclist
As an occasional cyclist, I've picked up a few injuries over the years. I've learned not to get too close to articulated buses in the city, or bite off more than I can chew when riding off-road. But new research tells me I've also been risking more than cuts or broken bones. Cycling may be hazardous to men's sexual health.
A urologic surgeon, writing in BJU International, has warned that 6 in 10 male cyclists suffer from numbness in their groin. This happens because of "overuse" injuries, where small amounts of damage to the body build up over time.
For some men, the damage is bad enough to lead to erection problems. Although we don't know how often this happens, it's more common in men who train over long distances. The study also tells us that groin injuries are more common in mountain bikers than road cyclists.
The culprit, of course, is the bike's saddle. Padded shorts may help, but the best bet seems to be abandoning the traditional seat completely. Modern designs can look like gimmicks, but there's research suggesting they really work. For example, you can get "no-nose" saddles, which have just the back part of the seat. They take some getting used to, but they can reduce the pressure on your groin.
You can also protect yourself by taking breaks during long rides. You also need to check your bike's condition, make sure your saddle is set to the right height and angle, and be sure you got the right size and type of bike in the first place.
There is some good news. None of the research found a link between infertility in men and cycling.
What you need to know. Take care buying, setting up and maintaining your bike. As with any kind of exercise, listen to your body and give yourself time to recover between sessions. Get medical help if you think you've done yourself damage.
—Philip Wilson, patient editor, BMJ Group
ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use.
Posted by: Rhea | Jul 27, 2008 5:34:45 PM
Lance Armstrong's testicular cancer. Could that be a result of all the bike riding?
Posted by: Emily | Jul 28, 2008 6:59:24 AM
You can also protect yourself by taking breaks during long rides. You also need to check your bike's condition, make sure your saddle is set to the right height and angle, and be sure you got the right size and type of bike in the first place.
Posted by: bike0saur | Jul 28, 2008 1:17:44 PM
Ride a recumbent instead. No hand, butt or groin pain.
Posted by: DanJo | Oct 27, 2008 3:44:35 PM
As a 50 year old who has ridden conventional bicycles for decades the theft of my latest bicycle gave me the opportunity to consider an alternative -- recumbent bicycles. I was growing tired of the problems a conventional bike brings: sore and numb rear and groin on rides of 45 minutes or more, regardless of different seat styles; sore, numb neck from having to crane neck back to see ahead of you; sore, numb wrists.
I recently took a 30 mile ride on my recumbent and arrived at my destination with zero sore or numb spots. Bicycle riding is now a complete pleasure rather than a mix of pleasure and pain, and I can sit back as I pedal and enjoy the vista before me. Yes, the bikes look unusual but, frankly, that's part of their appeal. Turned heads and exclamations from the teenagers of "Cool bike" are sauce for the goose. I don't expect to be going back to the status quo for street riding ever again; I like being comfortable.