Erectile Dysfunction

One man in Northern California, looking for more comfort, began using an ergonomic bike saddle last fall.

The seat, with a protruding nose, was advertised as "helpful in reducing the risk of cycling-associated genital numbness and sexual dysfunction." But after using the saddle for a few months, the 52-year-old began having trouble maintaining an erection.

His doctor advised him to give up the bike.

He didn't — and suffered the consequences.

"After a time it didn't work at all," says the man who requested anonymity.

Comfort can be a misleading guide.

Some cyclists opt for a big, soft-gel seat.

But that can be the worst choice for circulation, some experts say.

Riders on large gel seats sink in, and the gel tends to bunch up under the tender bits, cutting off blood flow.

Women can also be affected.

A study of 48 young women competitive cyclists and 22 women runners published last year in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that the cyclists had decreased genital sensation compared with the runners, but that this didn't have any negative effects on their sexual function.

Another study found that female competitive cyclists who spent a lot of time on their bicycles had swelling and damage to the lymphatic vessels in the vulva.

"This whole saddle thing is very tricky for the bike industry," ...

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