An Observational Study of Erectile Dysfunction, Infertility, and Prostate Cancer in Regular Cyclists: Cycling for Health UK Study

Abstract

Background: Cycling is a popular sport among men. Despite its health benefits, fears have been raised regarding its effects on erectile dysfunction (ED), fertility, and on serum prostate-specific antigen levels. This study aimed to examine associations between regular cycling and urogenital abnormalities in men. Methods: A cross-sectional population study of 5,282 male cyclists was conducted in 2012-2013 as part of the Cycling for Health UK study. The data were analyzed for risk of self-reported ED, physician-diagnosed infertility, and prostate cancer in relation to weekly cycling time, categorized as < 3.75, 3.75-5.75, 5.76-8.5, and > 8.5 hours/week. Results: There was no association between cycling time and ED or infertility, disputing the existence of a simple causal relationship. However, a graded increase ( p-trend = 0.025) in the risk of prostate cancer in men aged over 50 years (odds ratios: 2.94, 2.89, and 6.14) was found in relation to cycling 3.75-5.75, 5.76-8.5, and > 8.5 hours/week, respectively, compared to cycling < 3.75 hours/week. Conclusions: These null associations refute the existence of a simple causal relationship between cycling volume, ED, and infertility. The positive association between prostate cancer and increasing cycling time provides a novel perspective on the etiology of prostate cancer and warrants further investigation.

Utilizing Crowdsourced Data for Studies of Cycling and Air Pollution Exposure: A Case Study Using Strava Data

“…Typically, impacts of active travel (cycling and walking) and inactive travel (traveling by car, bus or train) on health are compared [22,23,24,25,26,27]. Although earlier studies offer much evidence on the health benefits of cycling or walking due to increased physical activity [1,2,3,4,5,6,7], some other studies reveal cycling also carries some potential health risks, including air pollution, accidents and noise [29,30,31]. One of the most important risks is from poor air quality [29,30].…”

MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Medical consequences of doping with anabolic androgenic steroids: effects on reproductive functions

“…The observation that the type and duration of sport activities may influence the occurrence of prostate carcinoma (as well as erectile dysfunction and infertility) makes interpretation of AASs abuse even more difficult. In cyclists over 50 years of age, a clear positive correlation between the incidence of prostate cancer and hours of weekly cycling time (!3.75 vs O8.5 h/week) was found (50). Furthermore, the observation that hypogonadal men treated with therapeutic doses of testosterone do not suffer from a higher incidence of prostate carcinoma than patients not treated with testosterone (51) supports the hypothesis that prostate carcinoma develops independently of possible androgen treatment.…”

Is there a link between cycling and prostate cancer?

“…1 The study was not focused on prostate cancer alone. The authors hypothesised an association between weekly cycling 'volume' and genitourinary problems including erectile dysfunction (ED), infertility and prostate cancer on the basis of repetitive trauma to the perineum leading to recurrent inflammation and compression of anatomical structures.…”

“…T wo articles hit the headlines recently, one claiming that cycling increased the risk of prostate cancer, 1 the other that multiple female sexual partners reduced the risk of prostate cancer. 2 Unsurprisingly, both caused some consternation among the general public, with a perceived conflict between advice given regarding general health and a genuine concern in the light of increasing awareness of the risks of prostate cancer.…”