Male Cyclists Could Develop Erection Problems and Genital Numbness
Men, who enjoy cycling for staying fit, may certainly benefit the environment but they may also cause serious harm to their health in case they choose the wrong bicycle. Mr. Vinod Nargund, consultant urological surgeon from St Bartholomew's and Homerton Hospitals in London says that cycling may provoke such problems as genital numbness, erection problems, sores and skin irritation in the groin area.
In addition, men who really like cycling a lot must be aware that they may experience changes linked to the sperm functions, which are provoked by excessive heat produced in the pelvic area. However, scientists found no direct connection between cycling and male infertility, but they still consider that male infertility may be one of the problems linked with cycling. It's worth mentioning that this problem has been identified in a number of professional male cyclists, who are also at a higher risk of damaging testicles and their function.
According to Mr. Nargund, mountain bikers are at a higher risk of getting scrotal abnormalities than on-road cyclists.
"The bicycle saddle is in direct contact with the perineum and its underlying structures. It makes contact just behind the scrotum where the nerves and blood vessels enter the back of the scrotum and penis. This area is sensitive, with hair follicles and sweat and sebaceous glands, which are all good breeding grounds for infection. Abrasions, chafing, damaged hair follicles and bruising are among the most traumatic cycling injuries. Sweating in this area can also cause soreness and skin problems," explained the scientist.
The scientist outlines that the research studies showed that over 60 percent of male cyclists had genital numbness.
"Numbness is common because the pressure of the saddle can impair the blood supply to this area and put pressure on the nerves in the penis. This can also affect the man's ability to get an erection. There is a greater incidence of numbness and erectile problems in men who cycle regularly and over longer training distances. That is why it is important to rest intermittently during prolonged and vigorous cycling," said Mr. Nargund. He says that it is very important to choose the right bike.
"The male cyclist should know his bicycle well and a proper fit is particularly important for high-performance cycling. The level of pedal resistance is also very important, because riding a bike using too much resistance is a major cause of health problems in the groin area. Cyclists can also help to ease saddle-related injuries or skin irritations by adjusting the saddle height and fore and aft position. Padding in the saddle and shorts are also important if cyclists want to avoid saddle-related problems," he said.
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- 0 votes
//9 Oct 29, 2009 10:15 PM | posted by:
Mark P - For all of those who think Male performance Products are just for older guys, please read.
Unfortunately there are prescription drugs out there that say "may cause sexual side effects." I took one of these prescrption drugs and now that has ruined my ability to do the deed without assistance. It sucks that this happens, but not being able to get it up is not the fault of the person nor does it make them less of a man. Many times its because of physiological problems or medical reasons.
I started taking the Dr Max Powers HGH Spray and it had allowed me to carry on a somewhat normal sexual life. It seems to be a very natural way to boost male sex drive and erections without harmful side effects.
My point is people: Go the more natural alternative way like the Dr Max HGH Spray. I sure wish I found it sooner that the prescription stuff I took.
I highly recommend it. Thank you - 0 votes
//8 Oct 05, 2009 01:30 PM | posted by: Abe - Prostate massage weekly helps a lot. Also enhanced bedroom performance. If you get a health care provider to do it you can use your flex spending account to pay for it.
- 1 votes
//7 Sep 23, 2009 07:02 AM | posted by: John - About 90% of the bicycles still use the traditional saddle, unless the industry starts making better saddles, people are not going to bike, it causes too much pain!
- 1 votes
//6 Jul 27, 2008 08:12 AM | posted by:
snsuresh [InfoKID]
- always there are two sides for coins
- 1 votes
//5 Jul 20, 2008 06:17 PM | posted by:
harry111 [InfoTOT]
- sounds like exactly what i have, how would i go about by getting it fixed?
- 1 votes
//4 Jul 20, 2008 06:06 PM | posted by: harry - sounds like ive got simmilar symptoms, how would i go about getting it fixed?
- 1 votes
//3 Jul 12, 2008 06:11 AM | posted by:
rohit manoj arey [InfoKID]
- ohh..soo sad to know but many more research have to be carried down in this process..
- 1 votes
//2 Jul 09, 2008 12:42 PM | posted by: JN - This is the worst piece of hack journalism ever.
Do you really think that male cyclists are stupid enough to make a hobby out of something that regularly causes "genital numbness", "sores" and "erection problems"?
Sure, these problems are theoretically possible, but they're extraordinarily easy to avoid by using a properly fitted saddle, especially one built to "avoid pressure on the perineum" as the previous commenter suggested.
One should no more avoid cycling because of the tiny risk of groin problems any more than one should avoid cooking food because of the slight risk of burns.
Common sense is the answer. As usual.
- 1 votes
//1 Jul 09, 2008 10:21 AM | posted by: Jay - Um, they DO make saddles with a groove cut out to avoid pressure on the perineum. Both my bikes have them :)
