Using an Experimental Bicycle Seat to Reduce Perineal Numbness

Abstract

Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of an experimental seat that was designed to prevent perineal numbness and possibly erectile dysfunction in male bicyclists. A trial of the device among 15 experienced cyclists measured perineal sensation after a 1-hour stationary cycling session on a standard seat followed several days later by the same exercise protocol on the experimental bike seat. Cyclists reported more numbness with the standard seat than with the experimental seat (79% vs 14%). Sensory testing found greater hypoesthesia with the standard seat. Innovations in bicycle seat design may decrease or eliminate perineal numbness.

Bicycle Riding and Erectile Dysfunction: An Increase in Interest (and Concern)

“…The relationship between the health risk of bicycle riding and ED has been established in case reports [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], observational series [14][15][16], case control studies [17][18][19][20], and population-based epidemiologic investigations [35]. In addition, several studies have investigated the pathophysiology of pudendal neuropathy (penile numbness/pain) and ED from bicycle riding [19,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. It should be known that ED can occur in the absence of neurologic symptoms.…”

“…in 2002 evaluated perineal sensation, using the Weinstein Enhanced Sensory Testing‐hand esthesiometer on 15 experienced cyclists before and after cycling for 1 hour on a stationary spin using either a wide or standard narrow bicycle saddle. Sensory testing in all perineal sites yielded greater hypoesthesia with the standard narrow saddle than with the wide bicycle seat ( P = 0.05) [34].…”

Genitourinary Problems in Bicyclists

“…Taylor et al [7] reported that cyclists older than 50 years of age are more likely to experience pudendal compression syndromes, and Schrader et al [8] reported that symptoms are more common when cyclists have a higher body weight. Cycling for more than 10 years [7] and more than 3 hours per week [9] also seem to contribute, although the reason is unclear.…”

“…Taylor et al [7] reported that cyclists older than 50 years of age are more likely to experience pudendal compression syndromes, and Schrader et al [8] reported that symptoms are more common when cyclists have a higher body weight. Cycling for more than 10 years [7] and more than 3 hours per week [9] also seem to contribute, although the reason is unclear. While Bond [10] postulates that the potential for recurrent penile numbness is heightened following a first episode (suggesting a developed hypersensitivity of the area), Wilber et al [11] has shown an inverse relationship between number of years cycling and the occurrence of perineal numbness, which may indicate some level of perineal adaptation to these symptoms over time.…”

Epidemiologic evidence supporting the association between bicycle riding and erectile dysfunction

“…The cutaneous perception threshold measurements showed a significant increase of 116% in current during cycling. Taylor et al [19] evaluated perineal sensation on 15 experienced cyclists before and after cycling for 1 hour on a stationary spin using either a wide or standard narrow bicycle saddle. Sensory testing in all perineal sites yielded greater hypoesthesia with the standard narrow saddle than with the wide bicycle seat (P=0.05) [19].…”