The urology journal BJU International, has reported that men who cycle could be harming their fertility. Choosing the wrong type of bicycle could cost him his chance at fatherhood.
Problems are thought to be caused by excessive heat and pressure from contact with the bike saddle. Mountain bikes cause a higher rate of problems than ordinary cycles.
Complications reported in the study include:
- Numbness of the genitals
- Soreness and skin irritation in the groin
- Difficulty maintaining an erection, or total erectile dysfunction
- Changes in sperm function
- Testicular damage, bruising, chaffing and cuts
A shocking 60% of men studied had experienced genital numbness. This is because pressure from the saddle can restrict the blood supply to the penis and testicles. This can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Ways To Safeguard Your Fertility And Still Enjoy Cycling
- Risks are more common in long-distance cyclists. Consider cycling less or taking plenty of breaks when cycling a long way
- Choosing the right bike is important - make sure it is a good fit
- The pedals should be easily to use and not have too much resistance. If you are having to use a lot of force then you could suffer some damage
- If you are suffering skin irritations and chaffing, adjust your saddle height
- Consider getting a new saddle. Saddles with padding do not put so much pressure on the genitals
- Don't over-do the exercise. Exhaustion can lower sperm count
- Use an ordinary bike instead of a mountain bike, if possible.
Mr. Nargund, a Consultant Urological Surgeon at St. Bartholomew's and Homerton Hospitals, London, UK, said
"Mountain bikers run risk. The bicycle saddle is in direct contact with the perineum and its underlying structures" he explains. "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.'
So if your wife or partner is encouraging you to get on your bike and get fit in preparation for making a baby, you might want to consider some other type of sport.
Other ways you can help yourself and boost your fertility include wearing loose fitting underwear. In the same way as a saddle can restrict blood flow, so can your underwear if it's too tight. You may have heard that obesity can adversely affect your fertility, but being underweight can disrupt your hormones and damage your sperm so it is important to maintain a healthy, well balanced diet. If you eat well, avoiding junk foods and alcohol, wear comfortable clothing and exercise in moderation, you will be in tip top condition to make a baby. Moderation is the key. Anything in excess, even good things, can be bad for us.
