Study Reveals the Type of Exercise That Could Damage Penile Nerves
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Cycling has become a healthy lifestyle adopted by some members of the public. As well as improving fitness, it can strengthen muscles and help with weight loss.
Despite its benefits, there is a widespread belief that cycling can cause sexual erectile dysfunction, or impotence. Is that true?
According to a report by the Harvard Special Health Report, research conducted by the Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that, under certain circumstances, cycling can damage nerves and compress arteries in the penis. This is believed to cause erection problems.
The risk is highest among men who cycle for more than three hours a week. The reason cycling may cause impotence is that the saddle puts constant pressure on the perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus.
This pressure can harm nerves and slow blood flow, causing tingling or numbness in the penis. If it continues, erectile dysfunction may also occur.
Should men avoid cycling?
An observational study published in the Journal of Men’s Health in 2014 found that cycling did not pose a serious threat of erectile dysfunction or infertility.
Around 5,300 male cyclists took part in the study by completing a questionnaire. They were asked how many hours a week they cycled, whether they had experienced erectile problems in the previous five years, and whether they had been diagnosed with infertility. The results found no clear link between cycling for long periods and erectile problems or infertility.
However, for those still concerned about the risks of cycling, researchers recommend focusing on three areas: saddle shape, handlebar height and bicycle type.
- Saddle shape
A study in European Urology found that angled saddles and V-shaped saddles with a cut-out at the nose reduced oxygen to the penis by 82.4% and 72.4%, respectively. A wide, padded saddle is recommended. If possible, choose a gel-filled saddle no longer than 6 centimetres, according to a 2014 study in Applied Ergonomics.
- Handlebar height
A study in The Journal of Urology found that handlebars at the same height as, or higher than, the saddle were associated with a greater risk of erectile dysfunction than handlebars positioned lower than the saddle.
Visit a nearby bicycle workshop to have the handlebar height adjusted for comfort. This can help ensure the saddle and handlebars are positioned ideally to minimise pressure on the penis.
- Type of bicycle
Another study found that using an exercise bike with a backrest, which allows the rider to pedal in a relaxed position, did not cause the dramatic, albeit temporary, drop in oxygen supply to the penis seen with a conventional bicycle.
Even so, if you experience tingling or numbness in the genital area after cycling, it is advisable to rest and stop cycling for a week or two. These are warning signs that cycling may be causing erection problems.
Be sure to take regular breaks on long rides and wear padded cycling shorts for extra protection.