Do Mom and Dad enjoy cycling? Going around on a bicycle is one of the most exciting things, you know. Cycling is a favorite sport for people of all ages, whether it’s for dads, women, or children. Besides being beneficial for health, cycling can also help relax the body and mind. Usually, cycling activities are often done on car-free days by pedaling on the road.
If done frequently, this activity can certainly bring about positive lifestyle changes for Mom and Dad. Behind its various benefits, it turns out that cycling can lead to fertility problems for dads. This condition can occur in dads who frequently cycle.
The Effects of Cycling on Fertility
Cycling indeed provides health benefits, but it’s not recommended for dads who are planning a pregnancy. This is because high-intensity cycling can disrupt sperm quality. According to Dr. Gito Wasian, Sp.And, a specialist in andrology at the Indonesian Child Fertility Center, cycling can affect the quantity and movement of sperm. “The activity of cycling using tight clothing can increase the temperature of the scrotal area, which affects the process of sperm production. Research shows that dads who cycle with heavy intensity or more than 5 hours per week have lower sperm count and movement,” said Dr. Gito. Although there’s no definite prohibition, it’s advisable to switch to other types of sports that are safer for fertility for dads. Furthermore, cycling is also considered to cause erectile dysfunction.
According to Harvard Medical School, the friction that occurs between the genital area and the bicycle saddle can create constant pressure on the perineum (the area between the genitals and the anus). This pressure can temporarily disrupt and slow down blood flow, leading to numbness, numb penis, and eventually triggering sexual dysfunction.
However, this still requires further research. Although cycling is not recommended for dads, it’s allowed for women. Based on the explanation from Dr. Cynthia Agnes Susanto, BMedSc, Sp.OG, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at the Indonesian Child Fertility Center, cycling can be done by mothers but not by fathers. “Mothers can cycle, but not the fathers,” said Dr. Cynthia. However, there are some conditions that can cause women to experience various health issues with their intimate organs, such as vaginitis, bacterial infections, and fungal infections.
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These problems can occur due to improper cycling techniques. Based on research conducted by Yale University in the United States, cycling with a lower handlebar position can increase the risk of sexual health problems. A lower handlebar position can create significant pressure on the genital area, leading to numbness that affects the genital region. This numbness can result in sexual dysfunction.
Safe Cycling Tips
The risks that reproductive organs can face while cycling can be minimized with a few tips while cycling.
Wear comfortable and sweat-absorbing clothing. Avoid tight pants that could put pressure on the genitals.
Choose a wide saddle or seat. Make sure its position is suitable so that the body’s weight doesn’t apply heavy pressure to the genital area.
Reduce the intensity of cycling and choose other safe sports that won’t affect fertility.
So, that’s the explanation about cycling that can affect fertility. Besides cycling, Mom and Dad can choose various types of sports that can be done together, such as jogging, swimming, yoga, and more. Never lose your spirit, Mom and Dad, the warriors of two paths.
Source:
Gan, Z.S., et al. (2021). Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cycling and Erectile Dysfunction. Sex Med Rev. 2021 Apr;9(2):304-311.
Harvard Health Publishing. Can cycling cause erectile dysfunction?.
Dettori, J. R., et al. (2004). Erectile Dysfunction After A Long-Distance Cycling Event: Associations With Bicycle Characteristics. The Journal of Urology.
