Bicycle Seats and Impotence: Is there a Connection?
Bicycling is a popular sport and pastime for many men and women. It is a great way to exercise the leg and hip muscles, even when riding at slower paces. Men and women of all ages enjoy taking a relaxing bike ride through the park or on nature bike trails. But unfortunately, many riders don't realize that there are potential health dangers when riding a bicycle. One particular health risk for men is impotence, or erectile dysfunction. Is there a connection between bicycle seats and impotence? Recent studies reveal that there is a connection.
Harmful Effects of the Bike Seat
A typical bike seat, or bike saddle, is somewhat triangular in shape. It is shaped wide at the back with a thinner part called a center horn that comes to a point in the front. Riding a bicycle for long periods of time can cause lots of pressure to be applied to the perineum, or the area between the anus and genitals. The perineum area has many blood vessels and nerves, and the constant pressure can harm these nerves. It also temporarily stops or slows blood flow, which causes numbness or tingling in the genital area, and eventually, impotence.
Who is at Risk?
Studies show that males who ride bikes are twice as likely to develop impotence as males who do not ride bikes. Studies also show that women can develop vaginal nerve damage by riding bikes with certain types of saddles.
The highest risk belongs to those men who ride a bicycle at least three hours per week. This is because the effects come only after sitting on a bike seat for long periods of time. Those who only ride occasionally are not particularly at risk.
Recumbent Bikes and Impotence
Studies show that while a conventional bike can cause the normal blood flow to the genital area to slow or stop all together, a recumbent bike, or stationary exercise bike, does not. On a recumbent bike, the rider is not supporting himself on the perineum. Those who love to ride a real bike outdoors can try alternating between a recumbent bike and a real bike to reduce pressure.
Mountain and Off-Road Biking
Biking through rough mountain terrain or anywhere off-road can possibly harm the scrotum area for males because of the bumpy ride. It can cause abnormalities such as epididymal cysts or varicoceles. This does not, however, increase the risk of impotence any more than riding on a regular highway or smooth trail. Those riding off-road should have well-padded seats and padded bike shorts to help protect the genital area. This will help reduce discomfort while riding.
Possible Solution: New Bike Seats to Promote Good Male Health
New bike seats, or saddles, have been developed recently to help reduce the risk of impotence. The bike seats are designed with an overall round shape instead of the conventional triangle shape. Also, the seats have special padding made of foam or gel to cushion the rider. Some seats even have two sections that move slightly with the rider's strokes. In relation to impotence, these seats eliminate the center horn, where crucial pressure points usually cause the stop of blood flow and numbness while riding.
These new seats can enable riders to keep on biking without the harmful side effects. Though it takes a little extra effort to replace a bike seat, it's well worth the time.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Impotence
Men who enjoy cycling and want to continue riding can follow the tips below to reduce their risk of impotence.
*Replace the bicycle seat with one that promotes good male health. Avoid a seat that is too narrow for your sit bones.
*When riding for long periods of time, take frequent breaks and adjust the seat as needed.
*If experiencing numbness in the genital area, stop riding for a couple of weeks.
*Buy padded bike shorts for extra support and comfort.
*Ride in an upright position to move pressure from the perineum to the buttocks. Adjust the handlebars accordingly.
*Be sure the bicycle is the right fit. A bike that is too high or too low can cause discomfort in many areas of the body. The frame size, seat position, and handlebar height all play a role in bike comfort and safety.
Riding a bicycle doesn't have to be a health hazard for men. It can be an enjoyable way to get exercise or just some fresh air. Following the tips above will make every bike trip worthwhile.
