I am not a professional biker, but enjoy a ride any time I get an opportunity. While browsing the Internet, many a time I have come across the subject "Studies have shown that bicycling can damage your sex life: Causing numbness in the penis, increased risk of erectile dysfunction, and decreased sensation in woman."

How much of cycling is bad and how do you avoid health issues with cycling?

Research "sit bones" and various types of saddles. NOTE: Women's sit bones tend to be wider apart than men, despite their smaller frame.   Hence they should research saddles for women.

 

My wife & I have cycled around the world over a period of 2.5 years. No erectile dysfunction or (In the  case of my wife) loss of sensation.

It is important for a "more than casual" cyclist to address this area as it is often neglected.

 

Is'nt there "cycling" shorts than many cyclists use...with extra padding around the crotch area?

Check out Terry saddles.  As far as how much cycling you can do without affecting your sex life, I am sure everyone's experience is different, and any damage is reversible if you cut back when common sense dictates.

I wouldn't have sex whilst cycling. Dangerous and distracting.

54 minutes ago, dotpoom said:

Is'nt there "cycling" shorts than many cyclists use...with extra padding around the crotch area?

There are, whilst they help a lot, a properly fitted saddle is by far the best option. I purchased a pair at a cycle shop near Central festival Chiang Mai - cost about B1000 and did improve comfort, quite a bit. There are downsides such as 'heat" on a hot day. The ones I purchased, had "detachable padding" - hence I only fitted the padding on very long rides.

25 minutes ago, Denim said:

I wouldn't have sex whilst cycling. Dangerous and distracting.

It's embarrassing alighting while stood up.

16 hours ago, MalandLee said:

Research "sit bones" and various types of saddles. NOTE: Women's sit bones tend to be wider apart than men, despite their smaller frame.   Hence they should research saddles for women.

 

My wife & I have cycled around the world over a period of 2.5 years. No erectile dysfunction or (In the  case of my wife) loss of sensation.

It is important for a "more than casual" cyclist to address this area as it is often neglected.

 

Yes.. a women's saddle.. and gel filled..for comfort.. and a bike frame to suit your build.. if the frame is too small (most cheap bikes here a made for midgets).. you will have an uncomfortable ride.. I ride for an hour every morning.. no problems..

38 minutes ago, Denim said:

I wouldn't have sex whilst cycling. Dangerous and distracting.

Only if going downhill around a bend at speed.

https://youtu.be/nmPgJV643h8

20 hours ago, ravip said:

"Studies have shown that bicycling can damage your sex life: Causing numbness in the penis, increased risk of erectile dysfunction, and decreased sensation in woman." 

 

This is where proper use of English is important?

 

Can damage

 OR

May damage

 

Everything in moderation. Or save cycling for later in life.

I'm an avid cyclist and can affirm it's not the greatest exercise where men are concerned. I was in the states for an annual checkup and was given a false positive for prostate cancer. I firmly believe the doctor wasn't so concerned with my health as he was in getting a payment for his summer beach house as he set up an appointment to remove my prostate. I came back to Thailand and consulted a specialist who told me "No boom boom, no cycling for five days before we do blood test." My tests came back fine and I've had them checked every 6 months since. Of course those nut-busting seats should be replaced with a softer one as the rider gets older.

Seriously , some of those bike seats are so small they could easily slip past your sphincter and do some damage.

 

First thing I did with my bike was change from something too phallic like this :

 

 

To something that spreads the load and sexed down like this :

 

 

Seriously made a big difference. On getting of the bike now I no longer have a John Wayne swagger and my wedding tackle doesn't ache.

 

What you really don't want is something like this :

 

It might improve the reception on your radio but at what a price !!

I have a been a competitive cyclist since 1975 and have never had any problems. Have been known to keep riding within 10 minutes of getting off the bike after an 8 hour ride. Numbness can happen with the  wrong saddle, to wide a saddle can cause this or bad positional setup, seat too low or definitely if too high. Cycling shorts padding has improved over the  years, gone are days of cow skin chammys. Never had any friends have problems either. I would say that most people that have had problems had underlying issues.

i recall an article on the bbc in the last few months finally proving cycling doesn't harm the prostate.

Wise to change seat position so its comfortable, your bits shouldn't be going numb. But general healthwise cycling is excellent for you, I've never felt fitter and healthier

You are quite right, a badly set up saddle can cause issues, unfortunately  unless you go to a knowledgeable  bike shop or look it up on the  web then you will not get it right,

Things to note;

Bike size and suspension

Saddle suitability

Saddle cushioning (latex cushion can assist)

Saddle height

Saddle angle

Saddle too much forward or back

Handlebars height

Skin sweating  and chafing

 

Once you these issues set correctly you will have absolutely no problems, enjoy!

I've read on the issues related to this in the past, so do believe there is some potential.

 

For my bike, I long ago got a seat that actually has an entire open section going down the middle, and then two seat/padded sections on each side for supporting the buttocks.... No pressure down the middle.

 

Commuted to work for 20+ years.  Had some numbness in the beginning, but friends recommended a different saddle.  Tried out several and found one that worked great - no more numbness.  Find something with a gap in the middle so that you don't compress the perineal nerve.  If you find one that works well, buy two.