Impotence and Genital Numbness in Cyclists

Abstract

Cyclists often complain of genital numbness and even of impotence. The purpose of this study was to determine if perineal compression during cycling causes changes in the penile blood supply, impotence and penile numbness. Forty healthy athletic men with a mean age of 30 +/- 5.3 years took part in the study. Transcutaneous penile oxygen pressure was obtained using a device consisting of a modified Clark pO2 electrode, attached to the glans of the penis. All men were measured in a standing position before, in a seated and standing position during and in a standing position after cycling. Additionally, a detailed interview was carried out with each man. The penile blood supply--which correlates with the transcutaneous PO2 at the glans-- decreased significantly in over 70% of the test subjects during cycling in a seated position. Cycling in a standing position did not show any alteration in the penile blood supply as compared to the values measured before exercising. Numbness of the genital region was reported by 61% of the cyclists. 19% of cyclists who had a weekly training distance of more than 400 km complained of erectile dysfunction. The results of the present study showed that there is a deficiency in penile perfusion due to perineal arterial compression. This could be a reason for penile numbness and impotence in long-distance cyclists. Therefore, we suggest restricting the training distance, and taking sufficient pauses during the course of prolonged and vigorous bicycle riding, in order to avoid penile numbness and impotence.

Bicycle saddle shape affects penile blood flow

“…In defense of the selected approach, blood flow in the cavernosal artery is difficult to detect in the flaccid penis, and, since both the dorsal and cavernosal arteries branch from the penile artery, it is believed that reduction of blood flow in the dorsal artery is indicative of reduction of blood Saddle shape affects penile blood flow S-J Jeong et al flow in the cavernosal artery. While previous noninvasive methods have focused on the transcutaneous measurement of penile oxygen pressure, 7 our study offers a method of determining accurate blood flow measurements through laser Doppler flowmetry.…”

Do motorcyclists have erectile dysfunction? A preliminary study

“…[1][2][3][4] Perineal compression by the saddle during bicycling is thought to cause the ischemic neuropathy of penis and be responsible for ED. 5 Motorcycling is similar to bicycling, to astride the saddle. Motorcycling differs from bicycling, in the engine with vibration and saddle design.…”

Retracted Chapter: The Expert View on Bicycling Injuries

“…ED rates have been reported to occur as high as 24 % in amateurs with weekly mileage greater than 400 km (Sommer et al 2001 ). Ischemic neuropathy may result also from compression of the neurovasculature in the perineum and in Alcock's canal.…”