Cyclists not in danger of sexual or urinary dysfunction, reports say

Despite alarming conventional wisdom, cyclists shouldn’t fear any negative sexual or urinary impact stemming from their chosen athletic pursuit, a new study from the American Urological Association has revealed. Though groin pain and numbness is a common affliction for those who spend a good deal of time in the saddle, there’s little evidence that such symptoms lead to long-term, more serious complications.

Beyond that, the report concluded that cyclists, thanks to the cardiovascular benefits of cycling, may actually experience better sexual health than athletes in other disciplines.

“As cycling gains popularity, as both a hobby and as a professional sport,” said Kevin McVary, spokesperson for the American Urological Association, “it is important for the public to know that there is no credible link to urological disease or sexual dysfunction. Men and women can benefit from the cardiovascular exercise of cycling without worrying about negative side effects to their urinary tract or sexual performance.” The findings resulted from two separate studies, focusing on 4,000 men and 2,700 women, representing sporting clubs from around the world.

Of the male athletes surveyed, almost three-fourths were cyclists.

Previously, instances of perineum — or pressure to the groin, causing numbness and often pain — have been the subject of other studies, with findings suggesting that the pain may lead to long-lasting, perhaps permanent medical complications. But while cyclists were more likely to experience that numbness than other athletes, matters of sexual and urinary dysfunction, WebMD.com reported, were no worse in cyclists than in runners or swimmers.

Female cyclists, however, are at greater risk of developing urinary tract infections than their male counterparts, the study concluded.