Impotence: acquittal for the bike

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MunichCycling is considered a possible cause of impotence in men. The constant pressure of the saddle on the sensitive body region could destroy important nerves. Now a British study gives the all-clear.

Fertility and bicycle use

Between 2012 and 2013 scientists surveyed 5,282 male cyclists as part of the UK's “Cycling for Health” study. The participants answered questions about potency problems, fertility and gave information about their weekly cycling workload. Age, weight and educational status as well as other health-related information such as alcohol consumption, current and previous cigarette consumption, possible heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and cancer were also recorded.

Enthusiasts and occasional cyclists

The researchers working with Marc Hamer from University College London divided the cyclists into four groups: men who cycled less than 3.75 hours per week, those who pedaled 3.76 to 5.75 hours, cyclists with a workload from 5.76 to 8.5 hours and everyone who spent even more time on the two-wheeler. 8.4 percent of men reported having erectile dysfunction, 1.2 percent were infertile, and 0.8 percent had prostate cancer.

No connection with the potency

The result: Even in the group with the most enduring cyclists, the researchers were unable to establish a connection with erectile dysfunction or infertility. Only men over 50 should take it easy. Of the particularly eager cyclists in this age group, a disproportionately large number of them had prostate cancer. However, this does not have to be a causal connection: It is also possible that men who do a lot of sport are more health-conscious overall, so they go to the doctor more often and are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer.

Irritated prostate

The fact that cycling increases the PSA value in men is no evidence of a real causal relationship: Elevated values ​​are considered - albeit an uncertain - indication of cancer. The pressure of the saddle can also easily irritate the gland. This could react with a minor inflammation that pushed the PSA level up. This is important information for passionate cyclists - and also for your doctor. If increased values ​​can be explained by the high number of bicycles, the athletes may save themselves an unpleasant biopsy. (cf)

Hamer Mark: An Observational Study of Erectile Dysfunction, Infertility, and Prostate Cancer in Regular Cyclists: Cycling for Health UK Study Journal of Men's Health Online Ahead of Print: June 11, 2014; doi: 10.1089 / jomh.2014.0012.

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