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Photo by Coen van den Broek on Unsplash

Cycling has become an increasingly popular mode of exercise and transportation, and before COVID-19 cycling classes were very popular.

Now with many cities under shelter in place ordinances, folks are dusting off their bicycles and riding the streets for exercise.

There are many health benefits to cycling, including improved cardiovascular health, better weight control, and decreased risk of breast cancer in women (Greenberg, 2019).

Despite all these amazing health benefits (I, myself am an avid bicyclist), you can ask almost anyone who has ridden a bike- the seats can get kind of uncomfortable after prolonged periods of time. And for some, issues worse than discomfort can arise: genital numbness, genital pain, nerve conduction issues, and sexual dysfunction. Through the years there has been some research that has linked bicycle riding, genital pain and genital numbness, and sexual dysfunction in both sexes. In fact, we’ve explored how rider/seat positioning on your bicycle can exacerbate nerve and orthopedic issues in past blogs.

Cycling and Sexual Dysfunction

A recent study by Greenberg et al. (2019) further explores these associations. The study found that female cyclists who experienced frequent genital numbness and early onset of genital pain while cycling (within the first hour of riding) were more likely to report sexual dysfunction, including decreased arousal and satisfaction with orgasm.

Greenberg’s study found that female bicyclists who reported genital numbness and/or genital pain on half of their rides were more likely to have female sexual dysfunction (FSD), especially if the numbness/pain was around the clitoris. Cyclists experiencing genital pain within the first hour of their ride were more likely to have FSD. Interestingly, how often the cyclists rode (frequency) had no correlation with FSD and neither did length of time of their rides (duration). The frequency of numbness was correlated with decreased arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction during intercourse, whereas the frequency of pain significantly reduced arousal, orgasm, and genital lubrication.

In another study by Guess et al. (2006), more than 60% of the bicyclists who participated in the study reported genital pain, tingling, or numbness in the month prior, which was significantly higher in the bicyclists compared to the controls, 5% of which had genital pain, tingling and numbness. In Guess’ study, bicyclists rode on average 1-4 days a week, on rides that ranged between 4-100 miles each. Guess’ study also found that cyclists had decreased sensation at the perineum, posterior vagina, and the labia, bilaterally.

So What’s The Connection?

For sexual response to function, nerve fibers originating from the sacral area have to be recruited and stimulated, along those same lines, the blood supply to the genital must also be responsive to flood the area with blood to reach genital arousal. Any compression or obstruction along these nerve and blood vessel tracts could lead to some genital pain, numbness, tingling, as well as FSD.

This brings us back to that uncomfortable bike seat I mentioned earlier- when you’re seated on a bicycle, nerves and arteries that lead to the genitals (the pudendal nerve and it's branches (S2-4) and artery for you anatomically focus folks) are directly compressed. That means less nerve conduction and less blood flow, which can eventually lead to decreased sensation, numbness, pain, tingling, and general dysfunction. That is to say- your bike seat may be compressing your nerves and compromising blood flow to your genitals. This is true for both women and men, by the way, as it is also well documented that men who ride bikes a lot can have genital pain, numbness, and erectile dysfunction.

What You Can Do: Find the Right Seat

Bike companies have been trying to find more ergonomic designs for bike saddles for years, and the designs differ for different anatomy. This means that there is no perfect bike seat for everyone- whether you have a penis, wide or narrow hips, etc.- there are different shapes of bikes seats that will increase/decrease pressure on those precious nerves and arteries.

Female anatomies or those with wider hips should go with a wider saddle. Research has shown that both narrow saddles and saddles with central cutouts (that’s the long tube shape cutout up the middle) aggravated saddle pressure profiles experienced in competitive female cyclists (Baran, 2014).

Noseless seats may provide some relief for some, but not all. Noseless seats are basically a little stubbier than the traditional bike seat, with the front narrow “nose” cut off. There have some limited studies about noseless seats for both male and female cyclists, suggesting that there is less compression when the seat does not go all the way forward.

What you can do: Improve your riding position

Aside from getting a more comfortable bike seat, your riding position can either increase or decrease the pressure on your genital area. See this past Femina PT blog for some bike fitting tips.

Raise those handlebars to avoid a forward leaning/aerodynamic position.

Studies have found that a leaned forward/aero position (think about those Tour de France riders bombing down a hill) places more pressure on your internal pudendal arteries i.e. the arteries that provide blood to your genital areas. Raising the handlebars so they are higher than the bike seat will help keep you out of that position for prolonged periods of time (Baran, 2014).

What You Can Do: Other Factors

Mountain biking vs Road biking

Some studies suggest that mountain biking may cause harder bumps and vibrations on the perineal area, increasing risk for damage of the nerves in that area (Baran, 2014).

Body weight

Body weight of the bike rider will increase pressure on the bike seat, another consideration (Baran, 2014).

Take Breaks!

As with any activity, if you are feeling discomfort- take a break! If you are starting to feel some numbness or pain in the genital area while biking, get off your bike to stretch and take a break.

Contact a Professional for a Bike Fitting

Certain physical therapists, bike fitness instructors and others have special training in regards to fitting your bicycle. Heather Jeffcoat, DPT and owner of Femina PT clinic can fit you on your bicycle and give you special tips to make sure you are not exacerbating issues with your riding habits. If you are having issues with your bike, contact a professional today.

 

References

Gaither TW, Awad MA, Murphy GP, et al. Cycling and female sexual and urinary function: results from a large, multinational, cross-sectional study. J Sex Med 2018;15:510-518.

Greenberg, D. R., Khandwala, Y. S., Breyer, B. N., Minkow, R., & Eisenberg, M. L. (2019). Genital Pain and Numbness and Female Sexual Dysfunction in Adult Bicyclists. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.06.017

Guess, M. K., Connell, K., Schrader, S., Reutman, S., Wang, A., LaCombe, J., … Mikhail, M. (2006). ORIGINAL RESEARCH—WOMEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH: Genital Sensation and Sexual Function in Women Bicyclists and Runners: Are Your Feet Safer than Your Seat? The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 3(6), 1018–1027. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00317.x

Hermans TJN, Wijn RPWF, Winkens B, et al. Urogenital and sexual complaints in female club cyclists-a cross-sectional study. J Sex Med 2016;13:40-45.

Baran, C., Mitchell, G. C., & Hellstrom, W. J. G. (2014). Cycling‐Related Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women: A Review. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 2(3-4), 93–101. doi:10.1002/smrj.32

Buller JC. Female cyclists and perineal symptoms: An experimental bicycle seat. Clin J Sport Med 2001;11:289–90.

Leibovitch I, Mor Y. The vicious cycling: Bicycling related urogenital disorders. Eur Urol 2005;47:277– 87

Baeyens L, Vermeesche Bourgeois B. Bicyclists’ vulva: Observational study. BMJ 2002;325:138–9.

What Our Patients Have to Say

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Testimonial by A.B.

Before I was referred to Heather Jeffcoat I was living in a nightmare. I had been married to my husband for three years and I was suffering from Vaginismus. That all changed when I visited my OBGYN and she said she knew of someone with a great success rate. To be honest I was hesitant at first because my first doctor had already told me that all I needed to do was order dilators from the internet and I should overcome my problem. She was wrong because I had followed the book on how to use the dilators with absolutely no advancements in my condition. However, that all changed when I went in for my first visit and Heather took the time to explain my condition and how we were going to work together to overcome it.

I remember leaving her office with a glimmer of hope that I could live a normal life. As my sessions continued I began to see immediate results. With only four sessions and a strict dedication to my home programs I was cured of Vaginismus. In the beginning of this process I was made aware that my health insurance company might not cover the costs, which was disappointing but today I can say one hundred percent that it was the best money I ever spent. Now thanks to Heather I am finally enjoying my life to the fullest with my husband. Thank you Heather, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. I will never forget it. Those who are suffering from these types of conditions don’t be afraid because she makes you feel so comfortable and the end result is worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope you experience the success I have.
-- A.B.

Testimonial by S.H., age 24

I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me for the past 19 months. I literally could not have reached my goals without you and your practice. You gave me the courage to keep moving forth with my treatment no matter how afraid and anxious I was. You were always there to answer questions and made this whole process so much easier than I expected it to be.

It's because of you that my marriage is on the right track, that I can get pregnant and that this part of my life is finally over. I really feel that Fusion Wellness is a team of people you can call family and are there to root for you and cheer you on until you reach your goals. There is nothing better than knowing I accomplished this with you guys by my side and as calmly and patiently as I needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there and helping me reach my goals.

S.H., age 24

Testimonial by S.P., Age 26

I would like to start off by thanking Heather Jeffcoat for educating me and curing me of Vaginismus. I had been married for almost three years before I was referred to Heather. I never knew about Vaginismus until almost three years into my marriage. I knew something was wrong when I went on my honeymoon and came back a Virgin. I had always imagined how magical my first night would be but boy was I wrong.

Read more: Testimonial by S.P., Age 26

Testimonial by A.M.

Months after giving birth, it was difficult for me to go from a sitting or lying position up to a full standing position without feeling that I had to remain hunched over until a bit of time had passed to get fully upright. However, after taking Heather’s course, I learned exercises to get my body back to normal. She also showed me correct ways to lift and carry my son as well as put him in/take him out of the carseat and stroller. This class was really beneficial and Heather is a wonderful teacher who made me feel very comfortable.

-- A.M.

Testimonial by Y.L. (mom of 2)

After having my second baby via C-section I searched for months to try to find help for my lower back pain and separated abdominal muscles. I finally came across Heather Jeffcoat via a mommy blog. I reached out to her via email and set my first appointment. My first appointment went amazing … she listened to what my symptoms, check my separation and explained to me in detail what the next steps would be. Not only did my abdominal separation go from 3 to about 1 -1/2 but my back has pain has significantly reduced. I’m personally recommending all my mommy friends to Heather!

Y.L. (mom of 2)

Testimonial by J.H.

My last appointment with Heather was over 6 years ago but I still think of her every day. I don’t take for granted that I can easily get out of bed, care for my two active and busy young boys, run, play tennis, clean my house, or sit at a desk for several hours at a time. None of these tasks were easy for me before meeting Heather. Eight years ago my car was struck from behind by a tractor trailer that was estimated to have been speeding. I spent 3 years working with different PTs and Drs trying to heal and move on with my life. When I became pregnant and the hormone relaxin that “relaxes” all the joints of the body and the additional weight gain erased all my progress and I was suddenly in a lot of pain again. My OB sent me to Heather for one last try.

Read more: Testimonial by J.H.

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