You know cycling is healthy, but Urologists think otherwise!

Cycling is healthy, but not so much for a mens sexual health if they do not choose the right bicycle. Urologists warn that cycling on a wrong bicycle for a prolonged time could lead to genital numbness, erection problems and soreness and skin irritations in the groin area. Regular cyclists also run a higher risk of testicular damage and impaired testicular function.

The stark warning to cyclists was issued by Dr Vinod Nargund, consultant urological surgeon from St Bartholomew's and Homerton Hospitals, London, in his research, "Health issues of cycling in men.” that appeared in the urology journal BJU International.

Nargund in his paper says though no general connection between cycling and male infertility has been established however, as noted in a number of male cyclists, infertility is still recognized as a possible side effect of cycling. The urologist went on to say that men who do a lot of cycling experience changes in their sperm function because of the excessive heat generated in the pelvic area due to the cycling activity. Regular cyclists therefore run a higher risk of testicular damage and impaired testicular function. Nargund also cautioned that mountain bikers run a particular risk as studies have shown that they exhibit higher levels of scrotal abnormalities than on-road cyclists.

Explaining the link between cycling and male sexual health, Nargund in his study says, “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."

Discussing the issue of genital numbness, the urologist in his paper says, more than 60 per cent of male cyclists who have taken part in research studies have reported genital numbness. He says, "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. Nargund warns, "This can also affect the man's ability to get an erection.” He says, "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."

Urologist Vinod Nargund also emphasizes on the importance of choosing the right bicycle by men. He says, "The male cyclist should know his bicycle well and a proper fit is particularly important for high-performance cycling". Going into the details of a proper cycle for men Nargund says, "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.”

Giving tips on healthy cycling practices for men, Nargund says cyclist can help ease saddle-related injuries or skin irritations by adjusting the saddle height and also the fore and aft position. Further, padding in the saddle and shorts can also help cyclists to avoid saddle related problems.