In the Press

Serious Riders, Your Bicycle Seat May Affect Your Love Life

There exists increasing evidence that riding a bicycle while providing important cardiovascular benefits has definable risks with respect to erectile function. As pointed out in this article, activities which appear to exacerbate that risk include seat geometry, riders activity level and likely body habitus. In addition, time on the seat and other as yet undefined factors such as history of previous trauma, diabetes, underlying vascular disease may also be important factors that predict increased risk for developing sexual concerns following cycling.

Good evidence exists that support recumbent cycling, use of seat pads and elevation from the seated position as manuevres which may reduce the risk of developing cycling related erectile problems. Often simply standing on the bicycle pedals and releasing the pelvic pressure points for 30 seconds whenever some numbness is experienced may prove helpful.

To all those cyclists out there, ride with a head protection and be aware that pelvic trauma from riding can be a silent cause of ED that should be mentioned to your doctor if you're experiencing erection problems.

Gerald Brock MD, FRCSC