Bicycling & Prostatitis

Bicycling is a recreation and exercise enjoyed worldwide. Prostatitis is a medical condition associated with long bike rides. The pressure from the seat on the prostate gland after prolonged riding may lead to inflammation of the prostate. You may have to modify your bike seat angle or get a new seat to prevent cycling-induced prostatitis. You may wish to stop riding temporarily, adjust your riding schedule, and/or use a different type of bike until your symptoms cease.

Anatomy

The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Pressure on this area while cycling may result in inflammation. The prostate gland is walnut sized and contains two regions enclosed by an outer layer. The passageway through which urine flows from the bladder, called the urethra, is surrounded by the prostate gland. Inflammation of the prostate acts like a vise on the urethra, therefore leading to urinary symptoms.

Inflammation

The medical suffix "itis" means inflammation, thus prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. Several types of prostatitis exist, but cyclists are prone to a form of prostatitis called chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. According to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse, this common type of prostatitis is the least understood form of prostatitis.

Cause and Symptoms

The constant prolonged pressure from the saddle and the jarring forces felt through the bike seat when riding over rough terrain may be the source of cycling-associated prostatitis. The close proximity of the prostate gland to the seat can cause prostate swelling. This swelling clamps down on the urethra, resulting in urinary symptoms that include incomplete emptying of the bladder, urinary dribbling and frequent urination. Other symptoms may include pain and tenderness in the genital area.

Prevention

You can prevent bicycling-related prostatitis by using a male specific bike seat, tilting your seat slightly forward, and standing on the pedals once every 15 minutes. Standing on the pedals for a short duration takes pressure off your prostate gland. Tilting your seat very slightly forward will help lessen pressure on your prostate gland. Bike seats made for men either have a slight depression, or a soft spot, or both, running down the center of the seat. This cushioning helps lessen the constant pressure and jarring on the prostate.

Treatment

If prostate symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention immediately to rule out more serious prostate pathology. If chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is your diagnosis, take time off the bike to give your body time to heal. You can continue to exercise outdoors during this time by swimming, jogging, walking or hiking. You may try using a recumbent bike. The recumbent bike does not place pressure on the prostate gland but allows you to pedal for exercise and recreation.