Modifications to bicycle seats have significantly reduced the adverse effects of cycling on erectile function. But cyclists can take some commonsense steps to reduce their ED risk even further.
A possible link between bicycling and erectile dysfunction has been the subject of multiple studies over the last few decades. Results from the earliest of these studies suggested that men who rode a bike for three hours or more a week faced a 70 percent higher risk of ED than noncyclers.
However, in an early 2019 article posted on the WebMD blog, male reproductive health specialist Paul J. Turek, M.D., reports that more recent studies conclude that cyclists face no higher ED risk than runners or swimmers.
What’s Changed?
What’s happened to change this narrative so dramatically? As Turek explains, cyclists endure extreme pressure to their perineum, the area between the anus and the scrotum. And enclosed within the perineum are delicate networks of blood vessels and nerves that serve the urinary system and the genitals.
Concerned over the possible association between heavy bike riding and erectile dysfunction, bicycle manufacturers and bicyclists themselves made adjustments that have significantly reduced ED symptoms in cyclists, according to Turek.
Bike Seat Design Modified
Turek acknowledges that bike manufacturers have made changes to bicycle seats to make them more erection-friendly than they were in the past. However, he suggests that cycling enthusiasts take some commonsense steps to minimize any adverse effect their hobby might have on erectile function. Here are some of his tips:
- Wear padded bicycle shorts to lessen the pressure on perineal blood vessels and nerves.
- Make sure that the seat on the bicycle you buy (or rent) is properly fitted to your anatomy, and tip the nose of the seat downward a few degrees.
- In selecting a saddle for your bicycle, it’s best to opt for one without a nose. And choose gel padding over foam.
- Split-rail or cutout saddles — with a gap or depression down the middle of the seat — minimize pressure on the perineum.
- It’s best to maintain an upright position as much as possible while cycling.
- Periodically relieve perineal pressure by standing on the pedals or otherwise shifting position.
- Be alert for tingling or pelvic numbness while bicycling. When you notice these sensations, take a break and allow normal sensation to return to the perineal area.
Dr. Minkow Led the Way
According to an article at CyclingTips.com, much of the credit for improved bicycle seats goes to Roger Minkow, M.D., who is not only a medical doctor but also an ergonomics expert. After reading some alarmist stories about the bicycling-ED link back in the late 1990s, Minkow took it upon himself to learn more about bike seats and their impact on the human anatomy.
Ultimately, Minkow joined forces with German urologist Frank Sommer who had been working independently on a way to measure the impact of bike riding on perineal blood flow. Using Sommer’s methods to guide his way, Minkow developed bicycle seats that minimized the adverse effect on blood flow through the perineum.
Many of the most erection-friendly bicycle seats available today are the results of Minkow’s research, which was significantly aided by the use of Sommer’s blood-flow measurement techniques.
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