A limited number of studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between bicycle riding and sexual health. Previous research findings emphasized whether or not a causal relationship existed between bicycle riding on a saddle (cause) and erectile dysfunction (disease). However, it is now necessary to shift the focus on intervention according to Dr. Schrader, an expert in the field.
Dr. Schrader's research in 2002 reported on the hazards of bicycle riding in police officers. This past innovative research concluded that nighttime erections were of poorer quality in biking police officers compared to non-biking police officers. Furthermore, nighttime erection quality decreased as seat pressure increased and as the average number of hours in the saddle a day increased.In a review article published by him regarding the above-mentioned subject, there has been an analysis about the pathophysiology of the erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with bicycling.
It has been reported that high pressures in the perineum while straddling a saddle could be responsible for compression and temporary occlusion of the penile blood flow. Moreover, there exists a hypothesis that the lining of the compressed blood vessels could be damaged, leading to potential permanent artery blockage.
However, not all men who ride bicycles will develop erectile dysfunction. Sexual health consequences adversely affect 5% of riders or 1, 000, 000 riding men and lead to erectile dysfunction. Perhaps it equals the probability of a smoker developing lung cancer in his lifetime.
May be it is time to switch over to an alternative mode of transportation for approximately 57 million people / 27.3% of the population who are using the bicycle.
