Desensitized Penis From Bicycling: What You Need To Know

Riding a bike has a host of wonderful benefits. Not only is it an energy efficient way to get from one place to another, it’s also a fantastic form of exercise. Bicycling can offer the same benefits as walking and jogging, without the impact on joints that can later lead to mobility problems. But despite its good reputation, many men avoid riding a bike for fear of a numb penis.

While science backs up this concern, it’s a problem that affects only the most avid cyclists. When sitting in a normal chair, the weight is distributed equally between both buttocks. However, while sitting on a bicycle seat, pressure is placed on the perineum, a region of the lower body that contains nerves and arteries that supply blood to the penis.

Men who bike dozens of miles a week can experience nerve damage that leads to a numb penis. Pressure on some of these delicate and crucial arteries can cause temporary and, in the most extreme cases, permanent erectile dysfunction. Studies have found that after an exceptionally long ride, men experience a numb penis that can last for over a week.

But the fear of suboptimal erectile function shouldn’t deter men from riding a bike altogether. Many simple steps can be taken to reduce the pressure that leads to penile nerve damage.

1) Seat shape: If you’re not a professional cyclist, consider using a wider seat on your bike. The racing-style seats are long with a narrow nose, a shape that increases pressure on the perineum. Instead, a wider seat will distribute the weight to the buttocks, relieving that pressure.

2) Seat height: Adjusting your seat for the perfect height is crucial to alleviating unnecessary pressure on the perineum. When you’re riding and your leg is fully extended, you should still have a slight bend in the knee. A fully extended leg is not only bad for the hip joints, it also creates unnecessary pressure. Generally speaking, while standing next to your bike, the seat should hit about hip height.

3) Consider bike shorts: If a bulky, wide seat isn’t an option for you, consider wearing padded bike shorts. These can offset the pressure created by a traditional racing seat, without having to give up the aerodynamic benefits of using a slimmer design.

4) Rupture when symptoms occur: If you notice a tingling sensation in your groin while riding, that’s a sign that too much pressure has been placed on your perineum. If possible, this is a good time to take a break and adjust your position. Being alert to early warning symptoms is a great way to prevent irrevocable injury.

5) Recumbent Bikes: If a wide seat, bike shorts, and adjusting the seat height still don’t alleviate numbness, you may need to reconsider using an upright bike. Many gyms offer recumbent bikes, which redirects pressure from the front of the body to the back, effectively taking the pressure off the perineum that a traditional upright model relies on.

After a long ride, always make sure to pay extra attention to the groin area, as activity can put pressure on the area. Deliberately showering and cleaning the penile skin with mild soap and water is an essential post-workout step to mitigate any bacterial buildup that may occur.

Men who do activities, such as biking, that make them prone to a desensitized penis, should take extra care in applying a penile health cream. (Healthcare professionals often recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven to be gentle and safe for skin.) after the shower. The vitamins and botanicals found in Man1 Man Oil, such as Vitamin E and Shea Butter, have been shown to keep the delicate skin of the penis in excellent healthy condition.