Men who ride a bicycle with an uncomfortable bike seat can develop a problem called prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland. The gland, part of the male reproductive system, is located within the perineum, the area between the testicles and rectum.
Symptoms
Prostatitis can cause difficult or painful urination, frequent urination, fever, low back pain, pain in the penis, testicles or perineum, inability to get an erection or decreased interest in sex. Pressure placed on the perineum when you ride a bike can cause inflammation. MayoClinic.com states that a small number of men may get prostatitis from vigorous activities such as jogging, bicycling, horseback riding or heavy lifting.
Treatment
If you have chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain, medications can be prescribed to help with pain and relaxation of the prostate. Since trauma from bicycling is a potential cause of prostatitis itself and a source of pain, you may want to avoid riding a bike until your pain subsides. Wear padded shorts and adjust the bike to relieve pressure if you still want to ride.
Prevention
Choose a saddle based on your anatomy. If you find a saddle that is the right width for your sit bones, you reduce the pressure on your perineum. Adjust your saddle so it is not tilted up or down away from horizontal, stand occasionally when riding and change your sitting location. Cycling Performance Tips suggests sliding to the rear of the saddle on hills, sitting normally when riding on a flat surface and moving toward the narrow nose for the brief periods that you are sprinting.
Misconceptions
No evidence exists to suggest that biking causes prostate cancer, according to Gabe Mirkin, a practicing physician with a focus on sports medicine. Mirkin notes that studies indicate that exercise, including cycling, is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
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