Bicycle riding is an excellent form of exercise, but you might find riding uncomfortable, especially over long distances. For men, bicycle riding can place pressure on sensitive areas between the legs. While this pressure rarely causes health problems, it can create significant and chronic pain.
Anatomy
The seminal vesicles and prostate are two parts of the male anatomy that help with production of fluids for semen. The seminal vesicles are just behind and slightly above the prostate. Together, the seminal vesicles and prostate are located above the soft tissue between your genitals and anus, often called the perineum. Located on either side of your perineum are your ischial tuberosities, hard bones meant to support your body when seated.
Problem
Because bike seats are very narrow, the middle of the seat often becomes pressed against the soft tissue that houses the seminal vesicles and prostate. It is rare that this causes any problems for the seminal vesicles, since they are slightly higher than the prostate and don't receive the brunt of the pressure. There also is no evidence that bicycle riding causes prostatitis, infection of the prostate or prostate cancer. However, this pressure can exacerbate the painful symptoms of prostatitis and cause neuropathy, nerve damage that has been linked to numbness and higher levels of impotence.
Considerations
Most medical experts advise that the cardiovascular and other physical benefits of riding a bicycle far outweigh the problems with riding and your prostate or seminal vesicles. However, if you do suffer from prostate or seminal vesicle-related infections or injuries, avoid riding until you have checked with your physician. The best way to avoid problems with your prostate and seminal vesicles is with a properly fitted and adjusted bike seat.
Fit and Adjustment
The hard bones, or ischial tuberosities, that are located on either side of your perineum are meant to bear the majority of your weight when seated, including when on a bicycle seat. Look for a seat whose wide, padded areas contact directly with your ischial tuberosities, relieving pressure on your perineum. Once you have found a seat that fits properly, adjust the height, pitch and forward position so that your weight is equally distributed between the seat and handlebars.
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