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Despite the alarmist headlines, cycling is more likely to help than hurt your love life. So should you take care down there? Megan Hallowes reports
This article first appeared in Ride On October-November 2006 issue
The alleged link between cycling and sexual impotence ran to wince-inducing headlines last year following a New York Times article warning serious cyclists to choose their bicycle seats very carefully.
The article entitled ‘Serious riders, your bike seat may affect your love life’ quoted research which estimated that “five per cent of men who ride bikes intensively have developed severe to moderate erectile dysfunction as a result”. The article went on to claim that some “experts believe the numbers may be higher because men are too embarrassed to talk about it or fail to associate cycling with their problems in the bedroom”.
But before you get caught up in the hysteria, it’s worth getting a second opinion.
Dr Andrew Garnham, race doctor for the Herald Sun Tour and doctor in charge of cycling events at the 2006 Commonwealth Games believes the issue has been exaggerated. According to Garnham, erectile dysfunction is most commonly associated with cardiovascular disease related to a lack of fitness.
“The number one way of correcting this is regular exercise. Anyone who cycles regularly is helping out their situation.”
Garnham says there is plenty of evidence to suggest that cyclists enjoy good sexual health and he is quick to debunk the myth that professional cyclists are advised to bank their sperm.
“There is a theory that raising the temperature of the testes in tight clothing can interfere with the potency of sperm. There is, however, no link between cycling and infertility,” said Garnham.
Straddling the issue
One of the experts quoted in the New York Times was Dr Steven Schrader, a reproductive health expert who studies cycling at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. According to Schrader, men who ride rarely or for short periods need not worry about any ill effects, but riders who spend many hours on a bike should be concerned.
The area of contention is the perineum – between the external genitals and the anus. If too much pressure is placed on the area blood flow is restricted and nerves are compressed which some researchers believe may in the long run lead to erectile dysfunction.
But Garnham said the issue of cycling and male impotence causes unnecessary anxiety for cyclists.
“If a triathlete spends four hours straight seated right forward on the nose of the saddle, gripping the aero bars, he may possibly have problems. This is usually transient,” he said.
The jury still seems to be out on what type of saddle best reduces pressure on the perineum. Certainly the traditional teardrop shape is not recommended, but some researchers have cast doubt on today’s ergonomic saddles. Dr Schrader, according to the New York Times article, advocates noseless saddles.
But Garnham suggests the best way to reduce pressure in the perineal area is to make sure your bike is fitted properly – including correct feet positioning and saddle level
“Some people think if you tilt the nose of the saddle downward, this will help,” said Garnham. “But, it will often make it worse, rather than better because you have to increase pelvic tilt which then places more pressure in the wrong place.”
“Another apparent paradox is that a narrow saddle will often prove more comfortable than a wide one. There are many saddles designed to reduce perineal pressure, some with cut out areas. These work for some, and annoy others – it is an individual response.”
Cyclists should wear good quality knicks (bike pants with built-in chamois). The padding helps distribute weight over a larger area, thus reducing specific pressure points.
A ‘caring’ bike shop will be able to help with this, Garnham said. There is also plenty of advice on the subject on the internet.
Garnham, who also practices at the Alphington Sports Medicine Clinic and is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Deakin University, says people who are concerned should see their doctor.