Editorial
Written byMen's Health Istanbul Editorial Team
Medical reviewer (awaiting sign-off)Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taş
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Updated
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The question
“Does cycling affect erectile function?”
A question men often ask us. Questions are always published anonymously.
The short answer
For most recreational riders, the evidence suggests cycling is not a meaningful risk to erections. A large 2018 survey found that cyclists did not report worse erectile function than swimmers or runners. A narrow saddle does press on the perineum, where the nerves and arteries to the penis run, and this can cause numbness or tingling after long rides. That is a signal to adjust your saddle, position or riding habits rather than something to push through. For most men, the benefits of regular exercise for the heart and blood vessels outweigh the risk.
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.
Why do people think cycling causes erectile dysfunction?
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 do studies show about cycling and ED?
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.
How can I stop numbness when cycling?
- 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 should a cyclist see a doctor?
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.
Questions men also ask
Is genital numbness after cycling normal?
Brief numbness after a long ride is common and usually passes, but it is a sign of too much saddle pressure. If it lasts well beyond the ride, get it checked.
Do noseless saddles prevent erection problems?
They may reduce pressure on the perineum for some riders, but no single saddle suits everyone. A good bike fit matters more than any one design.
Sources & further reading
- 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.
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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.
