And in any case, apart from physical effort, it is a means that requires attention and caution, because it stresses our body, in particular in certain areas, more than we think and can cause consequences we need to have more information and awareness about. In this article we would like to discuss them and offer you some efficacious solutions.

According to research that reviewed sixty-two pertinent medical articles on bicycling and genitourinary disorders, the following emerged as the most frequent problems and pathologies tied to bicycle seats, in particular:

• Numbness in the perineum due to the reduction in blood supply caused by the prolonged compression of the local circulatory ducts.
• Chronic perineum pain, reported by between 50% and 91% of the cyclists surveyed, associated with genital-perineum desensitization (and consequent moderate to severe erectile dysfunction) in 13% - 24 % of the cases. The influential variables to be considered as regards these disorders and their manifestation in more or less severe forms are age (especially over 50 years), body weight, cycling history (at least 10 years) and the frequency of training (more than 3 hours per week, equivalent to more than 60 km per week).

Research has also revealed a series of other disorders and pathologies, though less frequent, which can manifest in cyclists, therefore those who use a seat.

They include:  priapism, penile thrombosis, infertility, hematuria, torsion of spermatic cord, prostatitis, perineal nodular induration, increase in serum PSA level, premature or late ejaculation, anorgasmia in women, urinary retention, and, in men, acute prostatitis.

Pressure on the perineum leads to compressing the neuro-vascular structures and possible consequences for erectile function.

The geometry of the bicycle seat can decisively influence the reduction of compression and is therefore a fundamental parameter to consider and evaluate when choosing a seat. SELLE SMP is an innovative and decisive solution, boasting its own international patents, destined for all cyclists, men and women alike, amateur or professional.

The following analyzes them one by one, with possible causes.

PRIAPISM:  caused by high or irregular blood flow to cavernous bodies of the penis and consists of a painful and prolonged erection. It results from vascular trauma and causes the formation of arterial-venous fistula.

INFERTILITY:  prolonged and intense exercise causes an increase in scrotal temperature, which damages spermatozoa formation and modifies the hormonal balance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.

HORMONAL EFFECTS FROM STRENUOUS CYCLING:  several studies have reported how psychological-physical stress in cyclists can generally lead to important changes in hormonal balance and a decrease in testosterone and cortisone levels.

SERUM PSA LEVEL:  numerous studies have also shown the increase in serum PSA concentrations after cycling, probably caused by pressure of the seat on the perineum and prostrate. Cyclists with prostrate tumors and those with abnormal serum PSA values (especially if over 50 years of age) should be informed of this potential effect of cycling.

TESTIS CANCER:  many researchers have found a significant increase in risk of testicular seminoma in cyclists (probably connected to repeated and frequent scrotal traumas); instead, on this subject other researchers prefer to highlight how exercise is a protective factor against testicular cancer and may counterbalance incidence in cyclists.

PERINEAL LESIONS:  constant and prolonged contact between the seat and the perineum can cause different types of lesions, including calluses, ulcerations, skin irritation, furuncles and folliculitis.  The most characteristic perineal nodular lesion from cycling is the “biker’s nodule” or “third testicle”. This nodule is usually characterized by an elastic-callous formation, a few centimeters long, covered by normal skin. Surgical removal is usually the primary treatment.

HEMATURIA:  hematuria from sports activity, even originating from trauma (repeated impact on the bladder and kidneys), is directly correlated with the duration of exercise.

TORSION OF SPERMATIC CORD:  the correlation between this disorder and cycling is still controversial and a subject of debate; the cause of torsion could be tied to twisting the testis when pedaling, accompanied by an accentuated contraction of the cremasters.

From the anatomical point of view, the nerve and vascular structures compressed by the seat during cycling are the same in men and women. Therefore, women also report disorders and functional anomalies tied to cycling. The most frequent and main ones are anorgasmia, ulcerations and lymphedema of the vulva, difficult urination, chronic perineal pain, and hematuria.