Cycling is great exercise for you, but it can lead to repetitive trauma to your prostate. Riding a bike can cause irritation to the prostate, which can lead to chronic
prostatitis or chronic pain similar to chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Cycling can also negatively affect your fertility. Only a small number of riders get prostatitis from riding their bikes, but it is good for all male riders to take preventive action and know how to recognize the signs prostatitis.
The ongoing pressure and stimulation of the prostate area can lead to chronic prostatitis. Use of antibiotics is controversial, as bacteria is not thought to be a cause of chronic prostatitis. Sometimes patients are put on weeks or months of antibiotics without relief. Nonbacterial prostatitis will not respond to antibiotics. Sometimes alpha-blockers are prescribed to help with urine flow, but some can have negative sexual side effects, so be sure to research medications carefully. Doctors also may recommend or prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or muscle relaxants. Patients looking for more natural ways to treat prostatitis may turn to supplements that support prostate health
Sitting or bouncing for long periods are known to lead to prostatitis, and many bike seats put pressure on the prostate area, causing irritation. It is important to buy the right kind of bicycle seat that will not put pressure on your groin area. Look for such seats as a soft seat with gel or a lot of padding, a split seat, a seat with holes, a noseless saddle, or a seat with a soft central area. Try out seats to find out which kind is most comfortable for you. If you find one that works, then stick with it. Angle the seat so it puts less pressure on your prostate area. The right seat will keep blood flow to the penis and groin, prevent numbness, and will not irritate the prostate area. Change position often while riding by adding bar ends to handle bars so you can change the height of your body. Sitting in a more upright position is more prostate friendly. Be sure to wear padded cycling shorts when you ride.
Other activities that can irritate the prostate area and lead to chronic prostatitis include infectious agents, heavy lifting, jogging, cycling, horseback riding, structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, muscle spasm in pelvic muscles, and jobs that apply powerful vibrations to the prostate area such as driving a truck or operating certain machinery. Men who have prostatitis should limit having pressure on the thigh area.
Men should avoid cycling during episodes of prostatitis or CPPS.
