Guys, have you experienced bedroom problems from cycling?

Question

I took up cycling to work two weeks ago - 25 minutes each way every day - but since then have lost pretty much all interest or ability in the bedroom. At first I thought it was just my fitness catching up, but today I've decided to stop cycling until I figure out the problem (the change has been so quick and so dramatic that I'm certain cycling has caused it). When I got the bike, I had it properly fitted for me.

Obviously this isn't too common -- otherwise no guys would ride their bike. Maybe I'm just particularly susceptible to the pressures of a bike seat (I'm 26, not overweight and very fit so I don't think the extra exercise is making too much difference).

My question is whether any of you have experienced this or had friends in similar situations? Is the effect likely to be permanent? How many days (of no cycling) should it take to recover? Should I go see a doctor now? Do the alternative seats I have read about on google searches make any real difference?

Answer 1

Several years ago, I used to experience severe numbing of the privates from riding my bike. An hour riding would pretty much numb me for the rest of the day. Three or more hours of riding would leave the privates numb for a week. I suffered no erectile dysfunction, but it didn't matter - I couldn't feel anything down there.

At that time, a bit of research on the internet shows these type of problems are pretty common among male cyclists. The issue is caused by your tender, sensitive perineal tissues bearing your weight on the bicycle seat instead of your bony pelvic structure. Your perineal area has lots of blood vessels and nerves and when they are compressed against the seat of your bike, you wind up with numbness, tingling, pain, erectile dysfunction, etc.

Here is an excellent article on the causes and results:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=84072

There is even an electronic book published on this topic. It is available from the RoadBikeRider.com website:

http://www.roadbikerider.com/pbs_page.htm

Many companies are making saddles in a variety of widths to fit the different widths of rider's pelvic structures. In addition, many, though not all, men's saddles have a cut out or at least relieved area in the middle to avoid putting pressure on the perineum. Specialized, in particular, makes an entire measuring system to ensure you get the proper width saddle. I, for example, have a very narrow pelvic structure. (My lovely wife says I am a tight a**, and I tell her I already know I need a narrow saddle.) In any case, with the Specialized system, you sit on a gel pad and your pelvic bones make indentations in the pad. They measure the indentations and recommend the proper width of saddle.

It is important to get the saddle properly positioned on the bike. You do not want the saddle tipped overly forward or backward. If you get a really flat saddle, start out with it positioned perfectly level and adjust the nose very slightly up or down from there. Otherwise, if the top saddle surface is currved, you need to get the middle part of the saddle (the perineal area) level and let the rest of the saddle fall where it may. Then make slight adjustments for comfort.

It is also important to frequently change your position on the saddle as you ride and to get out of the saddle regularly. In hilly areas, you will naturally move your body back and forth on the saddle for pedaling efficiency. If you are on a long flat, you need to do this just to relieve pressure. Also, get out of the seat every few minutes and pedal standing up.

So, run, don't walk, (and don't ride), to your nearest bicycle shop and get a saddle that fits you properly. You do not have to put up with these kinds of problems.

Hope this helps you out.

Answer 2

The only thing I can add to sfr1224's excellent answer is that it might be helpful if you can see what is causing the problem.

If you have a look at this link. (from "Gray's anatomy" the text book). See the vein maked Internal pudendal. Pinching of this vein while cycling shuts down your love life.

http://www.bartleby.com/107/illus585.html

Your personal body shape may amplify the problem. The solution should be good cycling Knicks and a different saddle. I would go for one with cut outs in your case.

You may have some bruising in the area, (restricts blood flow)so give it a week if things aren't on the improve see the doctor. If it bothers you see the doctor sooner. They might put you on something to thin the blood.

Answer 3

The first question I have for you is if your junk is tingling. If it is, adjust your seat height or look into a different seat or perhaps some other issue like this.

However, I don't think that this is your problem. My best guess is that you are tired. You are fit, but you haven't exercised on a bicycle this way. A very fit person who dramatically changes their routine will get tired. Your bicycle type fitness will increase and your sex drive will come back.

Answer 4

Assuming that the bike actually fits you we need to look at the seat. If it is adjusted correctly your legs will be nearly fully extended at the bottom of the stroke. The seat needs to be level. My first bike had a little bit bigger "comfort seat" and it was a little too wide for me and hurt my balls. I went with a narrower more "high performance" seat and it made all the difference in the world. It was not cheap but seems worth the $90.00.

Answer 5

My stuff fluffs up nice thank you very much.

Follow the advice given above. It is sound. You don't want to be messing with your manhood.

I might add that I (Mr. Fluffy) use a level to make absolutely sure my saddles are even.

I skimmed the above material and didn't see mention of arterial compression being the cause of your problem. Seems some guys' artery servicing the penile area is in an unfavorable location for their bike saddle and it gets compressed during riding.

Answer 6

No problems here. I ride 2-3 hours every day, more on the weekends, haven't had any trouble in that area. I've heard the alternantive seats reduce the amount of pressure, but I've never tried one.

Answer 7

i have come across the same situation eGGzacktly:) the answer that i found works best it to simply pretend that sex doesn't exist anymore, still dress up nicely and all but then lie down on the sofa and put a film on, or ask him if he wants to play cards, or a board game. do NOT give him any sexy looks, or winks or the things that we all do when we are hinting at " hey lets go to the bedroom". just treat him as if he were a girl or gay mate. the funny thing is that he won't even realise what you are doing , all he'll know is that he is suddenly very attracted to you and wants you NOW.

Answer 8

Gawd, some of these answers are straight off of wesites with no experience!

I have never had this problem, although I know it can exist.

DO NOT stay in your saddle for hours on end but rise up occasionally to 'sprint' or climb a hill! ( to restore blood flow) the main reason for you, could just be fatigue????

Worring about it just makes this sort of problem worse, so dont!

Best of luck in the future mate!

.

Answer 9

I have never heard this one. 25 minutes each way is not too much. Better look else where I think there is something else wrong. I dont ride every day but I ride often, and my plumbing is working just fine. I am 54.

Answer 10

try some vitamins
I ride body geometry seats from specialized, alias and toupe
Never had the problem there ,
but,
sometimes I thought it was my "fitness catching up"
but I wasn't getting all the minerals and vitamins replaced,
my body was using up on my rides.
Never know>