No serious scientific study has shown a link between sexual disorder in men, prostate disease and cycling. But the question Can cycling cause prostatitis? is tenacious and the information on the internet is often contradictory.
We have heard almost everything about the links between cycling and male genital risks: fertility problems, erection problems, difficulty urinating… “cycling is bad for my prostate” think many men. Rest assured, there is no need to worry too much. In this area, problems related to cycling rarely concern the prostate. Spontaneously it is thought that the prostate sits on the saddle, but in reality, it lies much deeper in your pelvis. There have been multiple studies with conflicting results. Still, it seems that cycling has no influence on the prostate.
When to consult
It is rather a question of mechanical concerns of the perineum, lesions, irritations, boils or the syndrome of the third testicle; in these cases, a consultation with a urologist is necessary. There is also the compression of the pudendal nerve which irrigates the penis and which causes numbness and possibly erectile dysfunction over more or less long periods. We are talking here about men who cycle intensely, several hours a day or a week.
A few tips to avoid many problems while cycling includes adjusting your position on the bike, using a saddle according to your weight and the width of your buttocks, wearing padded shorts… It’s best to ask for professional advice.
And according to Dr. Yves Yau, sports doctor: “When you have prostate disease, there is no contraindication to cycling. This prostate disease needs to be treated, and these problems are extremely common with age. But that doesn’t prevent you from cycling. The two things should not be linked too much. Regarding the risks for the testicles…, you should avoid tight clothing ”.
Are you a fan of cycling or intense sports?
During a long hike, it is essential to replenish your energy reserves by eating regularly. Combined with a meal rich in carbohydrates consumed a few hours before your departure, your energy reserves are sufficient to support you for 90 minutes without too much worry.
Afterwards, it’s snack time! Ideally, an hour before the activity, eat something light, but high in sugar, such as a fruit salad. Avoid nuts because fat takes longer to be converted into energy. Make sure you hydrate well, with a drink like Gatorade, and favor fruit bars with figs, date puree, dried fruits which are all good sources of carbohydrates for a bike ride.
For example, Isabelle Huot , a doctor in nutrition and her team offer nutrition advice ( click here to learn more ) and her website is full of information, tips, recipes and advice.
Discover our new animated videos
Discover three new animated videos, each equally unique and original from one to the other. Be on the lookout!
Here is the first one – Symptoms, Risk and Screening
Take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease with our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you.
Do you have any questions or concerns? Above all, do not hesitate. Contact us at 1 855 899-2873 to discuss with a nurse specializing in uro-oncology. It’s simple and free, like all our services.
Pages of our site that might interest you
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
Anti-cancer foods for men
Am I at risk
Signs and symptoms
PROCURE news that might interest you
Each week, we publish a blog article. Here are a few for you.
5 facts to know about prostatitis
5 facts to know about large prostate (BPH)
What is an anti-inflammatory diet?
Sources et References
An Observational Study of Erectile Dysfunction, Infertility, and Prostate Cancer in Regular Cyclists: Cycling for Health UK Study-2014
Cycling, and Male Sexual and Urinary Function: Results from a Large, Multinational, Cross-Sectional Study-2018
Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review
Benefit of cycling – British Medical Journal – 2017
Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved – 2020
