Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise that's good for your heart and strengthens the lungs. Because it is an endurance sport, cycling often demands hours in the saddle. This time spent in one position can compromise a rider's comfort level and if the cyclist is on a poor-fitting saddle, riding can cause groin pain and numbness, especially after spending time in the aero position, which shifts a rider's weight forward on the saddle.
Perineal Pain
The perineum, or groin, is a highly sensitive area of the body located between the testicles and the rectum in men and the vagina and the rectum in women. This area contains nerves and blood vessels. When there is pressure to the area, blood supply and circulation is decreased. This compression can cause numbness, tingling or reduced blood flow to the penis. While the numbness is usually temporary, if circulation is cut off frequently or for a long period of time, it can cause permanent numbness and decreased genital sensation in both genders.
Causes
The numbness and pain typically results from a bike saddle that is the wrong shape or is not wide enough. When a bicycle saddle fits properly, it should support the ischial tuberosities, or sit bones, located at the bottom of the pelvis, which are designed to bear weight. Many saddles, however, push a cyclist's weight forward onto the perineum region. When you are in the aero position on a time trial bike, your body is tipped forward and cyclists typically sit on the nose of the saddle to generate more power from the quadriceps. However, this often forces the rider's weight onto the perineum and off of the sit bones.
Complications
It's possible for an ill-fitting saddle to cause erectile dysfunction in men and urinary tract infections, among other conditions, in women. A Boston University study reported urinary tract and sexual dysfunction issues in female cyclists. Male police officers in Long Beach, California who patrol by bike were the focus of the 2002 study. Researchers found that 91 percent of the policemen reported genital numbness. The tests also revealed that, when compared to noncyclists, they had lower rates of erectile function while they were sleeping.
Treatment
The cause of perineal pain can vary based on the cyclist and the pain is often alleviated through a combination of treatments. It's important to work with a professional bike fitter to find a saddle that works for you. There are special nose-less saddles and saddles with cut-outs, designed to reduce pressure while in the aero position. You can also experiment with the tilt of the saddle. Adjust the height of the aero bars or gradually move the bars down to give your body time to adjust to the bent over position. Also, try to stand up as much as possible and wear comfortable, padded bike shorts and chamois cream.
References
- Bycycleinc.com: Cycling and Your Health; Ben E. Benjamin
- "Workplace Solutions"; No-nose Saddles for Preventing Genital Numbness and Sexual Dysfunction from Occupational Bicycling; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; April 2009
- Beginner Triathlete: Bicycle Seat Neuropathy; John M. Martinez
- Athlete In Me: Bicycle Seats; Stan Reents
