Editorial
Written byMen's Health Istanbul Editorial Team
Medical reviewAssoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taş
Last medical reviewAwaiting reviewer sign-off
The question
“Does cycling affect erectile function?”
A question men often ask us. Answered by our editorial team and reviewed by a specialist. Questions are always published anonymously.
Key takeaways
- Sitting on a narrow saddle presses on the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the anus, where nerves and arteries to the penis run.
- A large 2018 survey found cyclists did not report worse erectile function than swimmers or runners.
- Genital numbness or tingling after riding is a signal to adjust your bike set-up, not something to push through.
- Regular exercise, including cycling, supports heart and blood vessel health, which benefits erections.
Where the concern comes from
When you sit on a traditional narrow saddle, much of your weight rests on the perineum rather than on the sit bones. The nerves and arteries that supply the penis run through this area. Compressing them for long periods can reduce blood flow and cause the numbness or tingling some riders notice after a long ride.
Older reviews raised the possibility that repeated compression over years might contribute to erectile problems in some men, particularly those who ride many hours each week.
What the larger studies show
A multinational survey published in the Journal of Urology in 2018 compared several thousand cyclists with swimmers and runners. The researchers found that cyclists did not report worse sexual or urinary function than the other athletes. Cyclists were more likely to report urethral stricture (a narrowing of the urine tube), and saddle-related symptoms such as numbness and sores were linked with aspects of bike set-up.
A survey like this has limits: it relies on self-reporting at one point in time and cannot prove cause and effect. Taken together with earlier work, though, the evidence suggests that for most recreational riders cycling is not a meaningful risk to erections.
Riding more comfortably
- Fit the saddle to you. A saddle wide enough to support your sit bones takes pressure off the perineum. Cut-out or noseless designs may help some riders.
- Check the angle and height. A saddle tilted nose-up, or handlebars set much lower than the saddle, can increase pressure. A professional bike fit is worthwhile if you ride a lot.
- Take breaks. Standing on the pedals for a moment every so often restores blood flow on long rides.
- Wear padded shorts and replace worn saddles.
When to get checked
Numbness that lasts well beyond the ride, or erectile difficulties that persist, deserve a medical opinion. ED has many possible causes, and a doctor will usually look at the whole picture rather than blaming the bike. Our erectile dysfunction guide explains how it is assessed.
References
- Awad MA, Gaither TW, Murphy GP, et al. Cycling, and male sexual and urinary function: results from a large, multinational, cross-sectional study. J Urol. 2018;199(3):798–804.
- Sommer F, Goldstein I, Korda JB. Bicycle riding and erectile dysfunction: a review. J Sex Med. 2010;7(7):2346–2358.
This article is general health information. It does not replace an individual medical consultation, examination or diagnosis. Read our editorial policy and medical review policy.
