Greetings chaps. I wanted to take the time today to talk about a peculiar new problem that may have rolled our way; erectile dysfunction caused by cycling.
Whilst the notion that cycling causes erectile dysfunction is a new hypothesis. and one that doesn’t have enough supporting data to be considered fact, there is an abundance of studies supporting it.
First of all, there are many reasons a man can experience erectile dysfunction. These include genetics passed onto them, trauma to the penal region or injury or cancer of the prostate.
Lifestyle factors such as diet and frequency of sporting activities can also contribute to erectile dysfunction but these can be prevented. One such sporting activity that is showing signs of causing ED is cycling.
Only about 10% of ED cases are a result of psychological impotence such as thoughts, feelings or fear. ED comes from the Latin word ‘impotentia coeundi’, which describes the inability to insert the penis into the vagina. ED is observed in 40% of the global male population, both regularly and occasionally. Whilst 50% of American males over the age of 40 are affected by ED and need medication to sustain an erection.
Our nether regions are delicate and we have to take care of them even if it seems they are not being affected in any way.
Bicycle Seat the root of the problem
A bicycle seat is usually extended forward at a tip and seats between your thighs. If you spend a lot of time on your bike it can cause perineal compression.
Perineal compression is when significant compression is applied to a certain area and causes blood flow to slow down.
In the case of cycling, the compression obstructs penile perfusion and causes ED. The blood flow to the penis is either cut off or limited to an unhealthy level, which may cause temporary or permanent injury.
How to combat the causes of ED
Some bicycle seats are now engineered to minimise discomfort and perineal pressure. They do this by meddling with the saddle shape.
Traditional saddles would slide under the bum and between the thighs. This would unintentionally push all of the rider’s weight onto the genitals. A European Urology study found that narrower seats with a v-shape in the nose decrease oxygen to the penis by 82.4%.
A gel-filled seat is a good alternative as it takes the load off the genital area as the cyclist relaxes their weight on the saddle. Instead of sitting down on a hard seat, the gel-filled seat dissipates the centre of weight.
Some other solutions for avoiding ED caused by cycling are explained below:
Padded cycling pants are common items that add padded regions to the inside of the thighs, below the genitals and on the buttocks. This works just like the gel-filled saddles but instead of placing the buffer on the seat, it is fitted into your cycling shorts.
One can also raise the handlebars so that you are leaning back when cycling rather than leaning forward. The pressure will then be pushed back into your lumbar, which is far more manageable, than on your genitals.
Aside from the aforementioned changes, one can also practice shifting your position and weight during long journeys, so as to alleviate and dissuade complete pressure on just one part of your body. And, just like driving a car, take breaks during a long journey to keep your mind and body fresh and active whilst also giving yourself time to recover.
Take this with a pinch of salt
All this data and extrapolated conclusions are very young in nature and not yet proven. I’m not telling you to stop cycling otherwise your Johnson will fall off. I’m saying, as with everything, practice it in moderation or take precautions to keep perineal compression at a minimum.
If you’re a long journey rider, take breaks or arm yourself with a gel-filled seat or padded trousers. Checking your chap isn’t only confined to when you’re in private, make sure you’re looking after it at all times.
If you are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction and still unaware of the cause or how to treat it, it’s always best to see a professional. Privat City Walk-in Clinic offers a comprehensive assessment for those suffering from ED and an experienced doctor will help you investigate the cause HERE.