The Sunday Times 'Cycling Blog'
"Problems with your bottom - the key might be your nose" (TEXT VERSION)
Tim Dawson
All blog posts
12 April 2011 14:30
I have received numerous questions recently about the possibilities of a link between cycling and prostate problems. To get a definitive answer, I asked the opinion of Adam Gaines, director of Prostate Scotland, and a keen cyclist himself. This is what he told me:
“There does not appear to be a link between cycling and prostate enlargement. However there is some evidence that trauma from bicycle riding can irritate a man’s prostate and could exacerbate, and some suggest lead, to prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
“It is known that cycling may transiently increase a man’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) level - PSA levels are often used as a key test of possible prostate problems – so men who are due to have a prostate test should avoid significant levels of cycling before a PSA test to avoid a possible false reading).
“Prostate problems and benign prostatic enlargement (BPH) can affect nearly one in two men over the age of fifty (and as many as 9 out of 10 men in their seventies and eighties may have some symptoms of BPH) and one in twelve men may get prostate cancer making it the most common cancer in men.
“Although cycling is not directly linked to the development of prostate problems if you have prostate problems and you cycle frequently you may find it helpful to discuss the potential impact with your doctor, particularly if you are going to have a PSA blood test. (Also some literature suggests than men should consider avoiding cycling during episodes of prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome).
“The key issue in regard to cycling and prostate problems is to find ways of reducing pressure on the perineum, or groin area (as the prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum). This can be done in a number of ways – from wearing padded shorts, regularly standing on the peddles, considering the adjustment and position of the saddle, to actual saddle choice.
“A study in the British Journal of Urology International in 2007 (99:135-140) showed that a grooved seat produced less pressure and numbness in the penile area and impact on erectile dysfunction, but also that rider position was very important.
“A particular approach that has been taken has been to utilise saddles which aim to reduce pressure on the perineum. These tend to fall into three groups: those with grooves and holes cut in them to reduce pressure on the perineum or groin area, saddles with holes cut out of them and a cutaway at the back, and more recently ‘split saddles’ which have two sections and no central area or noseless saddles. (In regard to saddles with holes cut in them people should check to ensure that the edges are not shaped in such a way as to inadvertently increase pressure or pinch).”
There are now numerous manufacturers that make saddles that aim to deal with this issue. Some have grooves, others omit the ‘nose' of the saddle. It is likely that experimentation will be necessary to find something that works for you.
Among those worth investigating are the noseless and/or split saddles from Ergonomic Comfort Design, Ideal Saddle Modefication, the Rido Saddle, the Comfort Saddle, the SMPSaddle, the Spiderflex, the Spongy Wonder, the BiSaddle, the Ride Ball, the Un-Saddle, or the Manta Saddle.
There is further discussion of this issue at Bicycle Seat Reviews, Livestrong, and Bikeforums.
(The Sunday Times, United Kingdom)
