Spending time on a bicycle seat, which has been linked to erectile dysfunction in men, may also be a hazard to a woman’s sexual health, a new study shows.

Many women who cycle or take spin classes are familiar with the numbness that sometimes can occur from sitting on a traditional bike seat. Bike seats are designed in such a way that body weight typically rests on the nose of the seat, which can compress nerves and blood vessels in the genital area. In men, this raises the risk of erectile dysfunction, something that has been documented in studies of male police officers on bicycle patrol.

But female cyclists have not been studied as closely. A study by Yale researchers in 2006 found that female cyclists had less genital sensation compared with a control group of female runners. As a result, some scientists believe that female cyclists probably are at similar risk for sexual problems as male riders.  In the latest study, the Yale researchers tried to determine whether there are specific factors that influence soreness and numbness among female riders. Forty-eight women took part in the study, each a consistent rider who cycled a minimum of 10 miles a week, but typically much more. The researchers mounted the women's bikes on a stationary machine in their lab and observed the women's biking positions.  It was the position of the handlebars that seemed to have the most effect. Women on bikes with handlebars positioned lower than their seats experienced more pressure in an area of soft tissue called the perineum, and had decreased sensation in the pelvic floor.

The researchers found that the lower the handlebars in relation to the saddle, the more a woman has to lean forward, forcing her to put a greater percentage of her body weight on the perineum. This problem is particularly likely to occur when a rider leans forward, flattens her back and puts her hands on the “drop bars” of a road or track bicycle for a more aerodynamic position.

“We’re basically showing that there may be modifiable risk factors associated with female riders,” said Dr. Marsha K. Guess, an author of the study and an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the Yale School of Medicine. “This better positions us to educate riders on safe riding practices that may actually be beneficial to reduction of pressure and lost sensation in the pelvic floor.”

The findings, published online in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, help shed further light on the problems faced by female riders but more study is needed.

 

 

 

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Comments

Biking is so much fun and a great recreation and it was a good exercise for the body. Yes I agree it helps for the women to communicating for the health, exercise and lifestyle!

As a female and just getting starting with cycling for health these are some questions I have had never thought about. The seat on my bike is pretty uncomfortable, I think I will have a talk to my bike specialist about the above researh.

I wonder if cycling has an affect on various genital infections (from wearing tight pants, among other things)...

Really. Thanks, This is my first time to learn about the side effect extensive bicycle riding for women.

want to get pregnant fast? Do not exercise too much

I had never heard that there could be negative affects for women, I knew about it for men though. Glad to see that their is more research for both sexes and their is still much more to learn!

I thought that cycling for virgin women might cause hymen breakage even without sexual penetration.

This is my first time to learn about the side effect extensive bicycle riding for women. I have heard about men having some sexual problem but never women. Glad I was able to read it and I'll be more than happy to share this with my friends.

I was just looking for this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what's the Google's problem that doesn't rank this kind of informative web sites closer to the top. Generally the top websites are full of garbage. A very great information the sexual effect on cycling. Something that i had never thought before.

Quite interesting about cycling and women's sexual health. But do you have anymore information or proven studies about this. It's just a I'm a woman and I ride my bike everyday to work. Just a concern whether if this affects women riding electric bicycles.

well, I think that a moderate exercise will always be good for health. For Pros, may could appear some problems after a log time. Sport activities are a must for all or us!

Well, I ride my road bike daily. your article seems very interesting but a bit concerned now as i never knew about it. Thanks to your article, i will consult my doctor and research more about it. :) Thank you once again

I would certainly say that riding for short periods of time and not as serious as the pros shouldn't have that much of an effect on men and women sexually. Certainly, the more serious and time you are spending on the bike has to have some form of effect as the article states. Good read. Thanks

Very interesting and important for us female bikers, thanks for sharing!

The findings, published online in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, help shed further light on the problems faced by female riders but more study is needed.

Hi.. Thanks for sharing a valuable information for Bicycling. We often use my Bicycle for traveling and I'm unaware of the fact. Thanks for the updates.

Thanks for sharing! Fortunately, I have a hybrid bike so my handlebars are higher than my seat. I've been thinking about getting a more road-style bike with lower handlebars, but I might reconsider now. Can you post a link to the study please? HERE'S the link through pubmed. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Journal%20of%20Sexual%20Medicine[Jour]%20AND%202012[pdat]%20AND%20Guess%20M[author]

Nice post that take another angle on the feamle cycling problems :)

I had heard of this concern in men but for women I had no idea - don't bike ride that often I guess. Thanks for the good info.

If you ride a bicycle and generates a physical health problem, I think companies have to do something to reduce the risk of side effects. And provide consumers with more ergonomic bicycles for a better experience.

I never though that females can have any problems cause by cycling since my wife does that every day and so far she is good...

I guess this study is aimed at people who are cycling professionals who practice .My question is, my wife cycling practice, but in moderation (2 hours per week) and also do not know if it might affect.

This is my first time to learn about the side effect extensive bicycle riding for women. I have heard about men having some sexual problem but never women. Glad I was able to read it and I’ll be more than happy to share this with my friends.

I have yet to find a comfortable bike seat and I love cycling!

The writer has made an informative discussion about an important issue like women sexual health. He has provided some important information in this post. Hopefully he will continue this informative and interesting writing.

Hello! I just would like to give an enormous thumbs up for the amazing information you’ve got here on this post. I are going to be coming back to your weblog for a lot more soon.

Good information for women cyclists. It is very important not to over do any activity including cycling.