Does cycling cause erectile dysfunction?

Many people say that cycling a lot can compress the nerves in the genital area, leading to erectile dysfunction. Is this true? (Suong, 36 years old, Hanoi ).

Reply:

Cycling at high intensity for extended periods, especially on bikes with small seats, can harm the genital area due to pressure on the perineum. This compression can damage the pudendal nerve – which supplies nerve to the entire male and female reproductive system. You risk injury or numbness from long or continuous cycling.

The disease does not affect sperm quality but can hinder marital life, causing depression and low self-esteem. If left untreated, men risk erectile dysfunction, infertility, and difficulty conceiving.

A 2005 study in the European Urology journal indicated that cycling can lead to several injuries to the genitourinary system. Among these, genital numbness is the most common, affecting approximately 50-91% of cyclists, while erectile dysfunction affects 13-24%. Many cases also involve hematuria, testicular torsion, prostatitis, and other conditions.

For women, cycling puts a lot of strain on the pelvic area, reducing sensitivity in the genitals. In severe cases, this can lead to decreased libido.

However, the aforementioned negative effects of cycling only occur when cycling excessively or improperly. In cases of scientific and moderate cycling, choosing the right type of bicycle still provides certain health benefits.

People with cardiovascular disease, severe musculoskeletal disorders, herniated discs, or severe bone degeneration should not cycle excessively.

Avoid sitting on the bike for too long, and choose a saddle with a soft, flat design that provides sufficient contact area for your pelvis and hips.

You should choose a bike style and size that suits your body, avoiding bikes that are too high or too low, which can cause friction and pressure on the genitals.

Doctor Phan Chi Thanh
Outpatient Department, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital

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