Although cycling is an excellent form of exercise for a healthy lifestyle, both men and women may need to take some precautions when considering their sexual health. Especially the type of saddle, the rider's posture, the height of the steering wheel and the duration of the exercise may cause some sexual problems.
Sitting on the bicycle saddle for a long time causes pressure on the perineal area. The nerves responsible for the sensation of the genital area pass through this region, which is located between the scrotum and anus in men, and between the vulva and anus in women. If these nerves remain under pressure for a long time, numbness begins in the genital area.
In men, veins that play a role in erection also pass through the perineal area. Sitting on the seat of a bicycle for a long time can also damage these arteries and cause the person to experience erection problems.
To prevent cycling exercises from causing any sexual health problems, it is recommended to take a break from cycling for a while when numbness is felt in the genital areas. People who will be cycling for a long time may need to stop periodically and walk a little to reduce the pressure in the perineal area. It may also be beneficial to stand up on the pedals while cycling.
Appropriate saddle selection is necessary to reduce the pressure of the bicycle seat on the perineum. Saddles developed in recent years are designed to transfer pressure to the pelvis and release the perineum while sitting. Bike and saddle settings also need to be adjusted according to the person's height. Despite all these precautions, if numbness or erection problems occur in the genital area after cycling exercise, it would be appropriate for the person to be seen by a physician.
Read: 0
