Is cycling linked to erectile dysfunction?

Cycling is a low-impact exercise that is ideal for many men. However, cycling can cause temporary erectile dysfunction. The risk was highest in men who cycled more than three hours a week.

Cycling is a popular form of aerobics that burns calories and strengthens leg muscles. More than a third of Americans are interested in cycling every day, according to a survey from Breakaway Research Group. Some people cycle occasionally for fun, while others take this exercise seriously and spend hours a day cycling. However, a study of elderly men in Massachusetts found that, in some cases, cycling can damage nerves and compress arteries in the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction.
The link between cycling problems and erectile dysfunction is not new. In fact, the Greek physician Hippocrates identified sexual problems in male riders. Specifically: "Sitting on horseback and often bouncing can make men unable to get an erection during intercourse."

When sitting on a bicycle for long periods of time, the saddle puts pressure on your perineum, the area that runs between your anus and penis. This is also the perineum that contains many of the arteries and nerves that supply oxygen-rich blood and sensation to your penis.
For a man, to get an erection, nerve impulses from the brain send stimulation messages to the penis. These nerve signals allow blood vessels to relax, increasing blood flow through the arteries into the penis. Any problem involving the nerves, blood vessels, or both can prevent you from getting an erection, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED).
Over the past few decades, researchers have discovered that some male athletes participating in cycling sports experience severe damage to the dorsal nerve, which limits blood to the penis. regime. Men who spend a lot of time cycling experience numbness and difficulty keeping an erection. Experts believe that erectile dysfunction begins when arteries and nerves get stuck between the saddle and the rider's pubic bone.
For men, the health benefits of cycling can come at an annoying trade-off. While cycling burns a lot of calories and can improve heart health, spending too many hours in the saddle can compress important arteries and nerves leading to the penis.
Men who ride a bike can put 1% of their significant weight on the perineum. This pressure and narrow saddle can damage the arteries and nerves. "The earliest warning sign is numbness or tingling," says Irwin Goldstein, MD, San Diego Director of Sexual Medicine. Goldstein, a pioneer in surgery that restores blood flow and increases libido in 65%-75% of cases, says even a young man can lose his erection and The risk was highest in people who cycled more than three hours a week.

With a few changes in sitting position, cycling enthusiasts can still exercise and enjoy the relaxation that this sport brings. Here are some changes you can make to reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction:
Redesign the saddle slightly to make sure that your body's gravity is evenly distributed throughout. In addition, choose a bike with a seat that is not too small to reduce pressure on the pelvic area. Lowering the handlebars, leaning forward will lift your backside out of the seat and relieve pressure on the perineum. Wear shorts and equip your bike with padding in the saddle for extra protection. Reduce exercise intensity if you feel you are sitting on the bike too much. Take frequent breaks from long rides. Sometimes you should stand on the pedals for about 15-20 seconds to give your hips and pelvis a rest. Switch to a recumbent bike. If you spend a lot of time on the bike, it's easier to lean back into the perineum. Incorporate into your exercise routines. Instead of cycling entirely, switch between running, swimming, and other aerobic exercise modes. If you notice any pain or numbness in the area between your rectum and testicles, stop riding and seek medical attention. Dr. Goldstein encourages men to sit upright when cycling and to replace traditional saddles with "noseless" ones to help reallocate weight. Forward leaning cyclists claim that they need a saddle with a nose to gain more power and control.

Although cycling erectile dysfunction is not permanent, they can last for several weeks or months. This condition can lead to many serious consequences, for example infertility caused by cycling. The easiest solution is to stop completely or reduce the number of rides. If several months have passed and you are still having trouble getting an erection, see a urologist. Depending on the cause, your doctor may prescribe the following erectile dysfunction drugs:
Sildenafil (Viagra). Tadalafil (Cialis). Vardenafil (Levitra). These drugs increase blood flow to the penis to produce an erection. But consider them carefully as they can cause serious side effects. In particular, erectile dysfunction drugs are not recommended for people who take nitrates (nitroglycerin) for chest pain, have low or high blood pressure, and liver and kidney disease.
Regular sitting in the saddle has been shown to be associated with erectile dysfunction. However, you don't need to give up this hobby, just make some changes while cycling to balance exercise and protect your genitals. In case there are some signs of erectile dysfunction, talk to a specialist about the cause of this condition, so that appropriate treatment can be taken to restore your sex life. you safely and effectively.

References: Healthline.com, Webmd.com