Does bicycling make you impotent?

Does cycling make men impotent? The answer is no. Only a malposition on the saddle can cause pain, which, however, cause no damage to the testicles.

For a long time, the myth, cycling is impotent. Urologists disagree with this frequently expressed conjecture. Only those who sit unfavorably on a bicycle saddle can pinch off certain nerves. That's why choosing the right saddle is crucial to prevent oncoming pain.

For decades, this rumor is spreading: cycling makes men impotent. Again and again my laity, that the testicles of the man are trapped by the saddle. This creates an impotence. But the Hamburg urologist Professor Christian Wülfing contradicts this myth: „The answer is a clear no“. And how is it, if you constantly and much bike rides? „Even those who cycle 20 kilometers to the workplace every day and back again will not sustain permanent damage.“ Otherwise, all cycling professionals would suffer from impotence. Only the fact that an accident could trigger an impotence is confirmed. Because in the event of an unfavorable impact, the saddle may cause injuries to the bicycle bar, which may cause the child to become unable to conceive.

Pain in the pelvis
How could this widespread view ever come about? If you ride a lot of bicycles, you probably know the pain symptom. An unfavorable posture or position of the bicycle saddle can cause pain in the area of ​​the male pelvic floor. Urologists refer to this type of painful irritation „Alcocksyndrom“. The nerve in the pelvic floor „Nervus pudendus“ could cause pain: „However, it is not generally the hardness or the orientation of the saddle that plays a role, but the causes are quite individual“, explains the urologist. For this reason, cyclists should try for themselves which saddle and which seat position on the bike is best to reduce painful irritation. Even when pain occurs, it is far from a sign that there is impotence. „In spite of the pain, no lasting damage can be expected here.“, Finally, Professor Dr. Christian Wülfing.

When can an impotence be organic??
According to recent evaluations, impotence is psychological in about 90 percent of cases. In only ten percent of cases is there an organic condition that causes procreation or dysfunction. The most common cause of a „erectile dysfunction“ are disorders of blood circulation. Successes have already been achieved here when those affected change their diet, turn off unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking or eating too much food and do more exercise. In addition, inflammation of the testicles or the prostate, disorders of the hormone balance and sequelae of medical interventions may cause impotence. Adequate diagnostics and therapies are initiated by a specialist in urology. (sb, 07.11.2010)

Also read:
More men suffer from impotence
Fall on the bicycle handlebar injures organs

Picture: SuBea