Does cycling cause erectile dysfunction?

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

Reply:

Cycling at high intensity for a long time, especially on a bike with a small saddle, can damage the private area by pressing on the perineum. This compression will damage the pudendal nerve - which supplies nerves to the entire reproductive system of men and women. You are at risk of injury or numbness due to cycling for a long time or continuously for a long time.

The disease does not affect sperm quality but can hinder married life, causing depression and low self-esteem. If prolonged, men are at risk of impotence, infertility, and sterility.

A study published in the European Urology journal in 2005 found that cycling can lead to a number of injuries to the genitourinary system. Among them, genital numbness is the most common, accounting for 50-91% of cyclists, 13-24% of people with erectile dysfunction. Many cases have hematuria, spermatic cord torsion, prostatitis...

For women, the pelvic area will also be greatly affected when cycling, reducing sensitivity in the female genitals. Severe cases can lead to decreased sexual desire.

However, the above harmful effects of cycling only occur when cycling too much or cycling incorrectly. In the case of cycling scientifically, regularly, and choosing the right type of bike still brings certain values to health.

People with cardiovascular disease, severe musculoskeletal disease, herniated disc, severe bone degeneration should not cycle too much.

Do not sit on the bike for too long, choose a saddle with a soft, flat design that has enough contact area with the pelvic and hip areas.

You should choose a vehicle model and size that fits your body, avoid making the vehicle too high or too low, causing the genitals to be rubbed and pressed too much.

Dr. Phan Chi Thanh
Examination Department, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital

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