Can Cycling Cause ED? The Relationship Between Saddles, Perineal Numbness, and Erections

You may cycle for your health and still feel worried when you see claims that long rides cause ED.

Research on cycling and ED is not simple. It has not been shown that everyone who cycles develops ED, but pressure and numbness around the perineum have been reported in several studies.

If you use BananaUp’s cycling_25, it should not be a Routine that asks you to ignore numbness or pain and keep adding time.

Cycling 25

Brisk Walk 20

Walk 30

Research on cycling and ED is not consistent

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2021 compared 3,330 cyclists with 1,524 non-cyclists across six studies.

In a simple comparison, there was no clear difference in ED rates or SHIM scores. In an analysis adjusted for age and some coexisting conditions, however, the odds of ED were 2.00 times higher among cyclists.

The studies varied substantially. The authors also noted that more research is needed to identify whether particular groups of cyclists are more vulnerable.

A 2015 review likewise concluded that the available data were not sufficient either to prove or to rule out a simple causal relationship between cycling and ED.

Instead of deciding that “cycling causes ED” or “cycling has nothing to do with it,” it is more useful to look at the load being placed on the perineum.

Do not ignore perineal numbness

A bicycle saddle places pressure on the perineum, the area between the scrotum and anus.

A 2017 review reported perineal numbness among male cyclists, with a wide range of frequencies across studies. Some studies have also shown an association between numbness and ED.

Numbness is not a sign that the exercise is working.

If the perineum or genital area becomes numb or tingly during a ride, or the numbness remains after getting off the bike, it is safer not to continue riding for a long time without changing anything.

BananaUp’s cycling_25 should include a clear caution: stop if perineal numbness or pain appears, then review the bike fit and saddle.

Can changing the saddle help?

A 2021 systematic review examined saddle shape, riding position, recumbent bicycles, and standing on the pedals as ways to reduce perineal load.

Nose-less saddles and recumbent bicycles reduced perineal pressure and increased penile oxygen pressure compared with conventional saddles. Nose-less saddles also had reported stability problems.

Standing on the pedals every few minutes may reduce perineal compression, although the evidence is indirect.

There is no guarantee that one saddle shape prevents ED. Body shape, bicycle type, saddle, handlebar position, and ride duration all interact.

If numbness keeps returning on longer rides, have your position checked at a bicycle shop or by a qualified fitter. If symptoms continue, speak with a healthcare professional.

You do not have to avoid cycling as aerobic exercise

Cycling is a useful form of aerobic exercise. For aerobic exercise in general, multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses involving men with ED have reported significant improvement in erectile-function scores.

The conclusion is not that you should stop aerobic exercise because you are worried about ED.

If cycling causes numbness, switch to another form of Cardio such as walking or jogging. BananaUp also has easy_walk_15, brisk_walk_20, and walk_30.

The goal is not to force yourself to keep cycling through symptoms. It is to record whole-body exercise that you can continue safely.

How to do Cycling 25

Choose a safe route where you can follow traffic rules, and check your helmet, bicycle, and other equipment. Start gently and settle into a comfortable effort that still allows conversation. Do not force speed; finish when the total reaches 25 minutes.

Stop as soon as perineal numbness, perineal pain, reduced genital sensation, or severe shortness of breath appears. Do not ride through the symptom. Review the saddle height and shape, fore–aft position, and riding posture. If numbness or pain remains after getting off the bike, do not add time and seek medical advice.

Interrupt the Routine if numbness continues

If numbness in the perineum or genital area remains long after the ride, if there is pain, if erections become difficult, or if urination changes, do not simply add more cycling time and wait.

Seek medical advice for sudden severe pain, injury, or persistent loss of sensation.

The Routine Finder includes aerobic options besides cycling. With 14-day tracking, you can clearly separate days with cycling_25 from days with walking or another exercise and keep the comparison in your records.