Does Bicycling Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Bicycling is a healthy exercise, but for men, erectile dysfunction can be an unwelcome side effect. Bike riding benefits cardiovascular functions and burns calories, but a bicycle saddle seat can squeeze arteries and vital nerves to and around the penis. Usually, men place the largest percentage of their weight on the area between the scrotum and the anus. The pressure from sitting on a narrow saddle seat for long periods of time can damage the arteries and nerves, which can result in numbness, pain, or erectile dysfunction. The earliest warning sign of damage is a feeling of numbness or tingling sensation. Studies found the highest risk was among men that cycle more than three hours a week. Bicycle seat manufacturers have developed a seat to replace the traditional saddle seat with a ‘no-nose’ seat. This seat redistributes the weight to the bones of the buttocks. However, cyclists claim they need the nose seat to get more power and control when leaning forward, as in the racing positi
