Cycling is a popular activity among many people worldwide. While it’s an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise, it may have detrimental effects on your sexual health.
Erectile dysfunction is a common issue among cyclists, and it’s caused by several factors. The good news is that there’s a simple trick you can do to keep your erectile function safe while cycling.
The Science Behind Erectile Dysfunction in Cyclists
Erectile dysfunction is a condition in men where they’re unable to maintain an erection during sexual activity. There are several factors that cause erectile dysfunction in cyclists.
The first is pressure on the perineum, which is the area between the anus and the scrotum. When cyclists spend a lot of time on the bike saddle, the perineum is under pressure, leading to numbness and tingling in the area. Over time, the pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction.
The second factor is reduced blood flow to the penis. Cycling requires that you remain seated on the bike saddle for a long time, which can cause reduced blood flow to the penis.
When there’s inadequate blood flow to the penis, it can’t maintain an erection during sexual activity.
The Simple Trick to Keep Your Erectile Function Safe While Cycling
The simple trick to keep your erectile function safe while cycling is to adjust your saddle. Most saddles are designed to be flat, which means that your weight is distributed evenly across the saddle, including the perineum.
This puts pressure on the perineum and can cause damage to the nerves and arteries in the area, leading to erectile dysfunction.
The solution is to adjust your saddle to a tilted position. By tilting your saddle forward, you’ll be redistributing your weight to the sit bones, which will relieve pressure on the perineum.
This simple adjustment will allow adequate blood flow to the penis, reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction.
How to Adjust Your Saddle for Optimal Erectile Function
Adjusting your saddle for optimal erectile function is a simple process. Here are the steps:.
- Using a bike stand or a friend to hold your bike steady, position yourself on the bike saddle as if you’re cycling.
- Place a level on the saddle to check its horizontal position.
- If the saddle is horizontal or tilted backward, use an Allen wrench to adjust the saddle’s tilt forward.
- Make small adjustments until you find the right tilt angle.
It’s important to note that the optimal tilt angle varies from person to person. Therefore, it’s essential to experiment with different angles until you find the one that works for you.
Other Tips to Keep Your Erectile Function Safe While Cycling
Aside from adjusting your saddle, there are other tips you can follow to keep your erectile function safe while cycling. Here are some of them:.
- Use padded shorts or a saddle cover to cushion your perineum.
- Stand on the pedals occasionally during long rides to reduce pressure on the perineum.
- Take frequent breaks during your ride to stretch your legs and improve blood flow.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration, which can reduce blood flow to the penis.
Conclusion
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that offers several health benefits. However, it’s vital to take measures to protect your sexual health, especially if you’re a frequent cyclist.
The simple trick to keep your erectile function safe while cycling is to adjust your saddle to a tilted position. Additionally, you can follow other tips like using padded shorts and taking frequent breaks to reduce pressure on the perineum and improve blood flow.