Bicycle seats almost appear as if they were designed specifically to be uncomfortable. However, for many riders, discomfort may be a sign of pressure on the prostate, which is a serious concern. Finding a bicycle seat that fits well and is adjusted properly will help you and your prostate ride in comfort.
Pressure
Your prostate is located above the soft tissue of your perineum, the area between your genitals and your anus. Because a bike seat is so narrow, many bicyclists find that the seat slips between their legs and places pressure on this area. You may feel a sensation of numbness or pain related to neuropathy caused by pressure on the pudendal nerve. The key to relieve pressure on the prostate and the perineum is proper bike fit.
Fit
All bike seats have the same basic shape -- a narrow front and a wide back. The wide back often has two distinct padded areas. These pads are meant to contact your body in a very specific way. Your ischial tuberosities, or sit bones, are the hard bones you feel when you sit down. A bicycle seat that fits properly will align its padded areas with you ischial tuberosities, thereby relieving pressure on your perineum and prostate. Everyone's ischial tuberosities are of slightly different widths. Find the bike seat that fits your body size.
Adjustment
Once you have found a bike seat that matches the width of your ischial tuberosities, you need to adjust the seat for maximum comfort and decreased pressure on your prostate. A bike seat should only handle around half of your weight while riding, the rest being distributed through your arms to the handlebars. Adjust the height and lateral movement of the seat, as well as the pitch to ensure that your weight is evenly distributed and the seat is comfortable.
Considerations
Any bike seat will take some getting used to, especially if you are out of riding shape. If you have just started riding, ease into a regular routine by starting with short distances and gradually extending them. If your seat is still causing pressure or discomfort after several rides, go to your local bike shop and get a new one. Consider seats that have the middle section of the seat carved out, which may help reduce minor pressure on the prostate. Do not assume that the best bicycle seat is the most expensive one.
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