The Leibovitch and Mor (2005) published a review investigating the relationship between cycling and genitourinary disorders and found that the most commonly reported urogenital problems associated with cycling was, nerve entrapment syndromes, referred to by cyclists as numbness in the perinatal area at a rate 50% to 91%, and followed the rate of erectile dysfunction in 13% to 24%. In smaller proportion coming priapism, hematuria, infertility, prostatitis and elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA).
The systematic review of Sommer et al in 2010 on cycling and erectile dysfunction shows
that there is a strong link between cycling and perineal compression leading to
vascular, endothelial, and neurogenic dysfunction in men and the development
of erectile dysfunction. Research on women cyclists is very limited, but at
present with similar signs as in men. Preventive measures, including the use
of a properly adjusted bicycle, with a proper seating and body position and an
appropriate bicycle seat can help prevent impairment of erectile function.
The following instructions are
coming from Dr. Har. Aidonopoylos,
Surgeon - Urologist of the University of
Thessaloniki.
The prostate is a gland located
below the bladder in contact with the terminal part of the intestine and
produces prostatic fluid which serves for feeding and survival of sperm in
their path to the die. It has a shape and size of a chestnut, in normal
situations. Any inflammation, either bacterial or nonbacterial causes
disturbances in urination and semen quality with irreversible effects if
neglected.
The
unprotected sex intercourse and either exogenous or endogenous pressures
in this gland cause the well known and annoying prostatitis. The
prostatodynia the acute or chronic
constipation, the urinary retention, sitting for long hours in a plastic seat
without ventilation and humidity are causes of inflammation. In cycling is very common the nonbacterial prostatitis
due to the long hours spent on improper saddle and perspiration simply absorbed
and causes the prostate to swell. Other
symptoms include tiredness, incomplete erection and premature ejaculation,
all in varying degrees depending on the early confrontation and treatment that had been followed.
Men cyclists what should they watch for?
Wear proper underwear that stabilizes the testicles to avoid minor injuries in the epididymis because the genitourinary system is compact and any inflammation of an organ affects the other as the prostate too. To consume fluids at a constant frequency in order to have a plenty urine that can not irritate the bladder and prostate. Do not remain with your wet underwear after finished your cycling exercise. To urinate in the first true feeling of urination. And go to the most serious cause of a prostatodynia of a cyclist, the saddle. Required course for balance and pressure on the pedals and for rest.
Wear proper underwear that stabilizes the testicles to avoid minor injuries in the epididymis because the genitourinary system is compact and any inflammation of an organ affects the other as the prostate too. To consume fluids at a constant frequency in order to have a plenty urine that can not irritate the bladder and prostate. Do not remain with your wet underwear after finished your cycling exercise. To urinate in the first true feeling of urination. And go to the most serious cause of a prostatodynia of a cyclist, the saddle. Required course for balance and pressure on the pedals and for rest.
Should the saddle be hard or soft? Anatomical or malleable?
Many choices but only one answer. If we adhere to all the above precautions (water, no humidity, etc) an anatomical saddle that holds the adductor and legs in relaxed stretching, frictionless, and without full contact of the perineum region is the solution. Simultaneously with perforated aeration or saddle pads help remove moisture and prevent the cooling of the area which contributes to discomfort.
Many choices but only one answer. If we adhere to all the above precautions (water, no humidity, etc) an anatomical saddle that holds the adductor and legs in relaxed stretching, frictionless, and without full contact of the perineum region is the solution. Simultaneously with perforated aeration or saddle pads help remove moisture and prevent the cooling of the area which contributes to discomfort.
Following the above, the cyclist will
need when taking part
in the race even when they train in program
followed several kilometers periodically to
make at least 5-6 petals standing in order the blood
supply to the right area.
Haralambakis Haralambos
Physiotherapist
Sources:
1) Leibovitch I., Mor Y. (2005) The vicious
cycling: bicycling related urogenital disorders. Eur Urol.
Mar;47(3):277-86; discussion 286-7
2) Sommer F, Goldstein I, and Korda JB. (2010) Bicycle riding and erectile dysfunction: A
review. Jour Sex Med ;72346:–2358.