Erectile Dysfunction From Bike Riding: New Report From Harvard Medical School Explains How to Protect Yourself

With reference to a new report from Harvard Medical School, ” What to Do about Erectile Dysfunction”, riding a bike for long periods may lead to temporary erectile dysfunctions. Men who cycle more than three hours a week are likely to develop this condition.

How is it possible that riding a bike, activity which on the one hand is recommended to maintain a good health, may cause erectile dysfunction? The answer lies in the physical reaction of men’s bodies. When sitting on a bicycle for a long period, the pressure is put on the perineum, the area between genitals and anus. As a consequence, nerves may be harmed and blood flow may be obstructed temporarily, causing tingling or numbness in the penis and, eventually, erectile dysfunction. However, according to one study, it depends on the bicycle, whether the condition will develop. This research showed that men who ride conventional bicycle are likely to develop erectile dysfunction due to rapid (though temporary) drop in oxygen supply to the penis. On the other hand, as indicated by the study, recumbent bicycle did not cause such condition.

If you still prefer riding a conventional bike, you should make some steps in order not to develop cycling-related erectile problems:

  • Wear padded biking shorts
  • Your position is very important. You should raise the handlebars so that you are sitting relatively upright. In this way, the pressure is shifted from the perineum to the buttocks.
  • Choose the right seat- the one that puts less pressure on the perineum. It is advised to use a wide, well-padded or gel-filled seat instead of a narrow seat.
  • The position of the seat is crucial. Choose the position which reduces the pressure. Make sure it is not so high that your legs are fully extended at the bottom of your pedal stroke, and don’t tilt the seat up.
  • When you ride a bike for a long time, you should change position and take breaks.
  • If you feel tingling or numbness in the penis, stop riding for a week or two.

The 32-page report “What to Do about Erectile Dysfunction” was edited by Michael Philip O’Leary, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor at Harvard Medical School. It provides us with the following explanations concerning erectile dysfunction:

  1. The anatomy and physiology of normal function end erectile problems,
  2. The causes of erectile dysfunction, including a self-assessment questionnaire
  3. The range of treatments available (including alternatives to Viagra, Cialis and similar drugs)
  4. The role of counseling
  5. How to include your partner in the therapy of erectile dysfunction.

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