Cycling is a beneficial activity for weight loss, leg strength and cardiovascular conditioning. The mechanics of the exercise have you seated on a thin and sometimes hard seat for long periods of time. Many male bike riders encounter problems below the waist from prolonged riding. The possibility of prostate problems from cycling is also a valid concern.
What It Is
The prostate gland is located near the bladder and is part of a man's reproductive system. It is roughly the shape and size of a walnut and helps the body to make semen, which is the fluid that transports sperm. The prostate grows in size as men age, which often affects the flow of urine.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis refers to a series of disorders of the prostate that may cause swelling, pain and difficulty urinating. Some are caused by bacterial infection, but others are caused by unknown factors. According to the MayoClinic.com website, one risk factor for bacterial protastitis may be trauma from cycling or horseback riding. If you have symptoms of or are diagnosed with bacterial prostatitis, inform your doctor if you are a regular bike rider.
PSA Tests
PSA stands for "prostate specific antigens," which are proteins produced by the prostate gland. When you have a PSA test, the levels of PSA in your blood are measured. Higher levels suggest to your doctor that cancer is a possibility and further testing is usually ordered. A 1996 study appearing in the "Journal of Urology," cited on the website of Dr. Gabe Mirkin, states that while cycling may contribute to elevated PSA levels temporarily, no evidence exists to show that riding a bike results in a prolonged rise in PSA.
Choosing Saddles
While cycling may have minor effects on the prostate gland, many men do report other symptoms from sitting on a bicycle seat for long periods of time. Pressure on the perineal region may result in numbness in the area or varying degrees of erectile dysfunction. The answer may be to get a "noseless" saddle for your bicycle. The nose refers to the long, thin, protuding part of the seat that the rider often leans on. A seat without a nose results in no pressure and fewer adverse symptoms.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- MayoClinic.com: Prostatitis; Sept. 21, 2010
- Cycling Performance Tips: Choosing and Adjusting Your Saddle; Dec. 6, 2009
- DrMirkin.com: Bicycling Does Not Cause Prostate Cancer; Dr. Gabe Mirkin; Sept. 10, 2010
- PubMed.gov: "Journal of Urology"; The Effect of Bicycle Riding on Serum Prostate Specific Antigen Levels; E.D. Crawford et al.; July 1996
