Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia \u2014 Cycling has become a healthy lifestyle\nadopted by some members of the public. As well as improving fitness, it\ncan strengthen muscles and help with weight loss.<\/p>\n
Despite its benefits, there is a widespread belief that cycling can\ncause sexual erectile dysfunction, or impotence. Is that true?<\/p>\n
According to a report by the Harvard Special Health Report, research\nconducted by the Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that, under\ncertain circumstances, cycling can damage nerves and compress arteries\nin the penis. This is believed to cause erection problems.<\/p>\n
The risk is highest among men who cycle for more than three hours a\nweek. The reason cycling may cause impotence is that the saddle puts\nconstant pressure on the perineum, the area between the genitals and the\nanus.<\/p>\n
This pressure can harm nerves and slow blood flow, causing tingling\nor numbness in the penis. If it continues, erectile dysfunction may also\noccur.<\/p>\n
Should men avoid cycling?<\/p>\n
An observational study published in the Journal of Men\u2019s Health in\n2014 found that cycling did not pose a serious threat of erectile\ndysfunction or infertility.<\/p>\n
Around 5,300 male cyclists took part in the study by completing a\nquestionnaire. They were asked how many hours a week they cycled,\nwhether they had experienced erectile problems in the previous five\nyears, and whether they had been diagnosed with infertility. The results\nfound no clear link between cycling for long periods and erectile\nproblems or infertility.<\/p>\n
However, for those still concerned about the risks of cycling,\nresearchers recommend focusing on three areas: saddle shape, handlebar\nheight and bicycle type.<\/p>\n
A study in European Urology found that angled saddles and V-shaped\nsaddles with a cut-out at the nose reduced oxygen to the penis by 82.4%\nand 72.4%, respectively. A wide, padded saddle is recommended. If\npossible, choose a gel-filled saddle no longer than 6 centimetres,\naccording to a 2014 study in Applied Ergonomics.<\/p>\n
A study in The Journal of Urology found that handlebars at the same\nheight as, or higher than, the saddle were associated with a greater\nrisk of erectile dysfunction than handlebars positioned lower than the\nsaddle.<\/p>\n
Visit a nearby bicycle workshop to have the handlebar height adjusted\nfor comfort. This can help ensure the saddle and handlebars are\npositioned ideally to minimise pressure on the penis.<\/p>\n
Another study found that using an exercise bike with a backrest,\nwhich allows the rider to pedal in a relaxed position, did not cause the\ndramatic, albeit temporary, drop in oxygen supply to the penis seen with\na conventional bicycle.<\/p>\n
Even so, if you experience tingling or numbness in the genital area\nafter cycling, it is advisable to rest and stop cycling for a week or\ntwo. These are warning signs that cycling may be causing erection\nproblems.<\/p>\n
Be sure to take regular breaks on long rides and wear padded cycling\nshorts for extra protection.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/study-reveals-the-type-of-exercise-that-could-damage-penile-nerves-1792115437", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }