Cyclists usually compete on roads with many hazards that sometimes cause injury. But men have more to worry about than keeping out of traffic or winning the competition.
Researchers warn that male cyclists should avoid crushing their private parts on the saddle to avoid problems in the bedroom, MailOnline reported. They should consider standing on the pedals every 10 minutes to prevent numbness and erectile dysfunction. Studies show that this is the best solution for saddle soreness, including a no-nose bicycle seat to redirect pressure from the genitals.
Jumbo-Visma team's Slovenian rider Primoz Roglic cycles during a training session, in Bjerge near Copenhagen on June 30, 2022, on the eve of the start of the 2022 edition of the Tour de France cycling race, in Copenhagen.
Poor Riding Technique Causes Numbness AMong Male Cyclists
Researchers from Wroclaw Medical University in Poland reviewed 22 studies about saddle soreness and explored the possible solutions. Reproductive medicine correspondent Ippokratis Sarris told the news outlet that one of the studies suggested nerve damage from p[pressure of cycling can cause numbness and erectile dysfunction and is linked to infertility.
The study review titled "Strategies for Reducing the Impact of Cycling on the Perineum in Healthy Males: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis," published in Sports Medicine in 2021, correlated genital numbness to poor riding technique and often the wrong type of bicycle.
The review's lead author Kamil Litwinowicz from the university, also explains that many men struggle with discomfort when cycling and have concerns about whether it would lead to problems in the bedroom. About six studies found male cyclists had twice the chance of developing erectile dysfunction.
However, Men's Health reported that there is also evidence of a sedentary lifestyle causing erectile dysfunction, and cycling is an activity that could reduce its risk. More so, another study says that they found no link between the numbness caused by regular cycling and erectile dysfunction.
They explained that they do not want male cyclists to stop cycling because it also has its benefits. Rather, they want them to improve their techniques in riding a bicycle.
Standing on Pedals Effective to Prevent Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction
The Daily Record reported that the review also evaluated the designs of saddles, bikes, shorts, and handlebars to see how they affect men's genital area while cycling. Although posture is often linked to numbness and other problems, the gear also plays a significant role in a cyclist's health while riding.
One study gave bicycle-riding policemen a no-nose saddle they needed to use for six months and found that having a bicycle seat without the narrower part reduces pressure on the genitalia. Around 82% reported a lack of numbness afterward compared to 27% before using a no-nose saddle.
Also, the policemen said that they had lesser symptoms of erectile dysfunction despite not using a narrower saddle makes their bike ride more unstable.
Furthermore, they also looked at the blood flow to the penis and blood pressure and analyzed them based on how men sit on their bikes. They found that standing is related to more blood flow and pressure, prompting their recommendation to regularly stand up on pedals every 10 minutes as it is effective and easy to do.
But more studies are still needed to support this claim since there is no established time yer as to how often men should stand on their pedals and for how long.
Researchers also recommended using a recumbent bike that requires the cyclist to ride in a laid-back position. However, this bike is significantly lower than a standard bike. So, the realistic solution is to stand up on pedals as they require no gear change and have minimal impact on the cycling experience of the rider.
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