TIL: CYCLING CAUSES IMPOTENCE… What?!
Today I learned…
Bicycling can cause impotence (erectile dysfunction)… Now, I realize many people think this is a myth.., and mens journal even published an article, "supposedly..," debunking this issue.
But...
I have a buddy that cycled from NYC to Southampton, about an 8 hour bike ride (he's insane).., and when he got off his bike… He could not feel his private parts -- at all. Completely numb.
After the initial "freak-out" period… He calmed down and figured it was just a temporary thing… Well, after 24 hours of no feeling in his "johnson" he headed over to his doctor. His doctor had not heard of this before and told him to "calm down" and if the feeling in his, aforementioned "johnson" had not returned to give him a call…
After a few days no feeling -- he was sure his life was over…
This went on for 1 week… I week of not being able to feel your penis would freak-out anybody, Im sure you agree (right guys…). His doctor even discussed cutting him open to have a look at what was going on -- which he actually considered. But cooler heads prevailed and he chose not to go under the knife.
8 days later.., he felt it move!
Lying on the couch, contemplating life.., watching an old Raquel Welch movie "Barbarella…" "It" moved definitely moved… PRAISE THE LORD -- THERE IS A GOD! He got up and started moving around to get the blood flowing.., and within a few minutes he had complete feeling in his "private parts" and all was good with the world.
Basically, it has something to do with the type of seat and length of time you spend putting that much pressure on the perineum (that's between the anus and the penis). When you sit on a chair, your weight is distributed equally across your butt.., but on a bicycle, especially one with a seat with a nose.., puts unnecessary pressure on this area -- restricting blood flow and compressing nerves, that don't appreciate being compressed.
Whether you choose to believe that cycling has anything to with erectile dysfunction (my buddy Walter sure does) is up to you… There are numerous studies that support each side, which I will link to at the bottom. But to be safe.., and not have an experience that will have you doubting the very existence of a God… There are a few things you can do to help prevent such horrible outcome of staying on your bike too long.
Type of Seat:
You want to stay away from the typical bicycle seat with a nose, as demonstrated by the photo below… And if you feel any numbness in your "nether regions" get off the bike and stand or walk around to get the blood flowing.
Ideally, you should use a cycling seat with no nose to it…
Or one with a wider seat, that distributes the weight better, see photo below:
So today I learned..,
A typical bicycle seat, is not a chair… It puts undue pressure on certain parts of your body that a normal chair does not… And could put you through a very stressful situation. So, be careful and if you have to, or like to take extremely long bike rides -- take a break every now and then and let the blood flow. Happy Cycling!
Footnote:
johnson = penis
Read More:
https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/cyclists-syndrome-what-you-dont-know-might-hurt-you
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/biking-and-sex-avoid-the-vicious-cycle-201209145290
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18466268
http://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/health/myth-busted-cycling-does-not-cause-erectile-dysfunction-20140717
Image Source: 1 2 3 4
This article makes me wanna skate more.
Wise man... :))
I know many who use what is called a doughnut seat to take off the pressure. Great information thanks for posting.
Thanks @ptmikesteem... Doughnuts work!
"Life over"? Who is this guy? Moses? Stop fucking and start living, for fuck's sake! The dick is for peeing. That's it.
Of course sitting and bouncing hard on your urethra and all the nerves surrounding the area will hurt it. It ain't that hard to understand, really.
I'm trans. When guys question my masculinity based on the genitals they think I have I ask them what they would do if they lost their own in an accident. 99% of responders say they would commit suicide if they lost their penis, not a single one has asked whether he would still be able to pee or have pleasure after the accident.
Thanks for your thoughts....
Mm, you may have something there; I think I might change my saddle!
Though I must say; when I was 18, I was a cycle courier, and at my height was riding at around 100 miles a day and I never had any problems in that department.
Why take the risk though eh? :-)
Cg
Exactly, why take the risk... Some of those bike seats just look so damn uncomfortable.., and hard. CHEERS!
Scary! This is precisely why I have a Brooks saddle. After you break them in they're more like a hammock for "the boys". These seats are expense but worth it in the long run. I used to ride a B17 but upgraded to a B66 last year. Great info @macksby!
who would think! I'm glad there are solutions.
Definitely need to change my bike seat. Even after 20 minutes of riding I feel numbness. Thanks for the information!
Sounds like a good idea...
been riding for transport for 25+ years. i use the widest seat i can find and angle it down in front. never had any problems. more people should know this. thanks for the post.