Prostate Trouble and Bike Seats
Bicycle seats are not always comfortable, particularly if you are riding for hours at a time. Traditional bike seats feature an elongated portion, called the "nose," that can put pressure on the perineum, which lies over the prostate. The prolonged pressure from a bike seat may lead to numbness as well as health problems like infertility. Although cycling is not directly linked to prostate trouble, talk to your doctor if you ride frequently or experience prostate enlargement symptoms.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-sized sex gland found exclusively in men. It surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra, which carries urine from the bladder. Both muscular and glandular, it secretes an alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, or fluid that carries sperm. Prostate enlargement, called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, often occurs in older men and can produce urinary problems. Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can also lead to fertility concerns.
- The prostate is a walnut-sized sex gland found exclusively in men.
- Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can also lead to fertility concerns.
Bicycle Seats
Testicle Damage From Cycling
Learn More
Sitting on a bike seat often presses on the perineum, which lies between the anus and the genitals. Underneath the perineum run important nerves for sexual and urinary functions; the pedundal nerves provide feedback for the external genitalia as well as the bladder and rectum. If you spend long hours on a traditional bike saddle, you may be putting an unhealthy amount of pressure on these nerves. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bicycling can compress the perineum and may lead to impotence and other disorders. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer saddle options that can reduce the stress on your body and reduce your risks for prostate and infertility problems.
- Sitting on a bike seat often presses on the perineum, which lies between the anus and the genitals.
- According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bicycling can compress the perineum and may lead to impotence and other disorders.
Research
A March 2005 article in "European Urology" discusses the overuse injuries that can stem from long-term bicycling 1. The article states that, although cycling can be a healthy, beneficial sport, some injuries can occur to the urogenital system. Genitalia numbness was found to be most common, reported in 50 to 91 percent of the cyclists, followed by erectile dysfunction reported in 13 to 24 percent. Prostate enlargement is not one of the most common injuries, however; it was reported as one of the less frequently sustained injuries.
- A March 2005 article in "European Urology" discusses the overuse injuries that can stem from long-term bicycling 1.
- The article states that, although cycling can be a healthy, beneficial sport, some injuries can occur to the urogenital system.
Prostate-Specific Antigen
Prostate Problems & Cycling
Learn More
Recent studies have shown that cycling, even on a professional level, does not lead to elevations in prostate-specific antigen-a protein produced by the prostate gland. When this antigen is elevated, it can indicate prostate disorders like cancer. A study published in June 2003 in "Urology" tested 33 men before and after a 13-mile bicycle ride. The study found no significant difference in prostate-specific antigen levels 2. Another study, published in "Urology" in December 2009, compared professional cyclists to a control group of healthy males. Both groups had their prostate-specific antigen levels checked, as well as other hormone and uroflowmetric measurements. The cyclists were asked to complete a 300 km course, while controls did not. Aside from a decrease in testosterone levels post-ride, the study found no significant difference in prostate-specific antigen or uroflowmetric parameters.
- Recent studies have shown that cycling, even on a professional level, does not lead to elevations in prostate-specific antigen-a protein produced by the prostate gland.
- Aside from a decrease in testosterone levels post-ride, the study found no significant difference in prostate-specific antigen or uroflowmetric parameters.
Prevention/Solution
Although studies do not link bicycling with specific prostate diseases, the pressure of traditional seats can create problems for both men and women. Fortunately, there are several types of seats that can help alleviate that pressure and prevent injury. Look for seats with a split saddle, or one with a space in the area that would normally press into the perineum. There are more extreme options like the "no-nose" bicycle seat, the moon seat and the easy seat that are geometrically different from a standard saddle. Consider getting your bike fit with a certified bike-fitting professional, who can adjust your bike so you feel less pressure on your perineum.
- Although studies do not link bicycling with specific prostate diseases, the pressure of traditional seats can create problems for both men and women.
- There are more extreme options like the "no-nose" bicycle seat, the moon seat and the easy seat that are geometrically different from a standard saddle.
Related Articles
References
- "European Urology"; The vicious cycling: bicycling related urogenital disorders; Leibovitch I and Mor Y; March 2005
- "Urology"; Bicycle riding has no important impact on total and free prostate-specific antigen serum levels in older men; Luboldt HJ et al; June 2003
- Lee CL, Kuo HC. Pathophysiology of benign prostate enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms: Current concepts. Ci Ji Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2017;29(2):79–83. doi:10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_20_17
- Grozescu T, Popa F. Prostate cancer between prognosis and adequate/proper therapy. J Med Life. 2017;10(1):5–12. PMID: 28255369
- Benign enlarged prostate: Overview. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Published January 25, 2018.
- Weiss JP. Nocturia: focus on etiology and consequences. Rev Urol. 2012;14(3-4):48–55. PMID: 23526404
- Serlin DC, Heidelbaugh JJ, Stoffel JT. Urinary Retention in Adults: Evaluation and Initial Management. Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(8):496-503. PMID: 30277739
- Rowe TA, Juthani-Mehta M. Urinary tract infection in older adults. Aging health. 2013;9(5):10.2217/ahe.13.38. doi:10.2217/ahe.13.38
- Rodgers M, Nixon J, Hempel S, et al. Diagnostic tests and algorithms used in the investigation of haematuria: systematic reviews and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2006;10(18):iii-iv, xi-259. doi:10.3310/hta10180
- Liu TT, Thomas S, Mclean DT, et al. Prostate enlargement and altered urinary function are part of the aging process. Aging (Albany NY). 2019;11(9):2653–2669. doi:10.18632/aging.101938
- Roehrborn CG. Benign prostatic hyperplasia: an overview. Rev Urol. 2005;7 Suppl 9(Suppl 9):S3–S14. PMID: 16985902
- Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Published September 1, 2014.
- Pontari MA, Ruggieri MR. Mechanisms in prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. J Urol. 2004;172(3):839–845. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000136002.76898.04
- Litwin MS, Tan HJ. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer: A Review. JAMA. 2017;317(24):2532-2542. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.7248
- Mandaliya H, Sung J, Hill J, Samali R, George M. Prostate Cancer: Cases of Rare Presentation and Rare Metastasis. Case Rep Oncol. 2015;8(3):526–529. Published 2015 Nov 26. doi:10.1159/000442045
- Palmerola R, Smith P, Elliot V, et al. The digital rectal examination (DRE) remains important - outcomes from a contemporary cohort of men undergoing an initial 12-18 core prostate needle biopsy. Can J Urol. 2012;19(6):6542-7. PMID: 23228289
- Chang RT, Kirby R, Challacombe BJ. Is there a link between BPH and prostate cancer?. Practitioner. 2012;256(1750):13-6, 2. PMID: 22792684
- De Angelis G, Rittenhouse HG, Mikolajczyk SD, Blair Shamel L, Semjonow A. Twenty Years of PSA: From Prostate Antigen to Tumor Marker. Rev Urol. 2007;9(3):113–123. PMID: 17934568
- Prostate cancer: Overview. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Published February 22, 2018.
- Yu Y, Sikorski P, Bowman-Gholston C, Cacciabeve N, Nelson KE, Pieper R. Diagnosing inflammation and infection in the urinary system via proteomics. J Transl Med. 2015;13:111. Published 2015 Apr 8. doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0475-3
- James LJ, Wong G, Craig JC, et al. Men's perspectives of prostate cancer screening: A systematic review of qualitative studies. PLoS One. 2017;12(11):e0188258. Published 2017 Nov 28. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0188258
- Feneley RC, Hopley IB, Wells PN. Urinary catheters: history, current status, adverse events and research agenda [published correction appears in J Med Eng Technol. 2016;40(2):59]. J Med Eng Technol. 2015;39(8):459–470. doi:10.3109/03091902.2015.1085600
- Colli E, Artibani W, Goka J, Parazzini F, Wein AJ. Are urodynamic tests useful tools for the initial conservative management of non-neurogenic urinary incontinence? A review of the literature. Eur Urol. 2003;43(1):63-9. doi:10.1016/s0302-2838(02)00494-3
- May M, Brookman-amissah S, Hoschke B, Gilfrich C, Braun KP, Kendel F. Post-void residual urine as a predictor of urinary tract infection--is there a cutoff value in asymptomatic men?. J Urol. 2009;181(6):2540-4. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2009.01.103
- Turkbey B, Pinto PA, Choyke PL. Imaging techniques for prostate cancer: implications for focal therapy. Nat Rev Urol. 2009;6(4):191–203. doi:10.1038/nrurol.2009.27
- Demaagd GA, Davenport TC. Management of urinary incontinence. P T. 2012;37(6):345–361H. PMID: 22876096
- Hall SA, Yang M, Gates MA, Steers WD, Tennstedt SL, McKinlay JB. Associations of commonly used medications with urinary incontinence in a community based sample. J Urol. 2012;188(1):183–189. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.2575
- Nickel JC. Comparison of trials with finasteride and dutasteride. Rev Urol. 2004;6 Suppl 9(Suppl 9):S31–S39. PMID: 16985923
- Chapple CR. A Comparison of Varying alpha-Blockers and Other Pharmacotherapy Options for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Rev Urol. 2005;7 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):S22–S30. PMID: 16986051
- Lipsky BA, Byren I, Hoey CT. Treatment of bacterial prostatitis. Clin Infect Dis. 2010;50(12):1641-52. doi:10.1086/652861
- Welliver C, Helo S, McVary KT. Technique considerations and complication management in transurethral resection of the prostate and photoselective vaporization of the prostate. Transl Androl Urol. 2017;6(4):695–703. doi:10.21037/tau.2017.07.30
- Li M, Qiu J, Hou Q, et al. Endoscopic enucleation versus open prostatectomy for treating large benign prostatic hyperplasia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One. 2015;10(3):e0121265. Published 2015 Mar 31. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0121265
- Lorenzo G, Hughes TJR, Dominguez-Frojan P, Reali A, Gomez H. Computer simulations suggest that prostate enlargement due to benign prostatic hyperplasia mechanically impedes prostate cancer growth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019 Jan 22;116(4):1152-1161. Published Jan 2019. doi:10.1073/pnas.1815735116
Writer Bio
Christy Callahan has been researching and writing in the integrative health care field for over five years, focusing on neuro-endocrinology. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, earned credits toward a licensure in traditional Chinese medicine and is a certified Pilates and sport yoga instructor.