In the 1990s, Professor Irwin Goldstein from Boston University Medical Centre put forward the theory that the consequences of prolonged impact stress when cycling lead to impotence. Since then, cyclists have been unsettled. Is his theory already outdated?
Myth number 1: Biking makes you impotent!
Prof. Dr Reich: Sport generally promotes erections. But yes, there are cases in which cyclists can suffer potency problems - but almost always only temporarily. The reasons for this are often the wrong choice of saddle or an unfavourable saddle adjustment. If you have problems, you should first of all choose a saddle that relieves the perineal area. If you don't experience any sitting problems, you don't need to worry about your potency.
Myth number 2: Too much time in the saddle is bad for fertility.
Prof Dr Reich: No, that's wrong! There are no reliable studies that prove this. Here too, it is more likely that sport and a good diet promote fertility. Incidentally, the myth that arose due to racing bike star Lance Armstrong that too much biking increases the risk of testicular cancer has not been proven either.
Myth number 3: Whether you're a man or a woman - too much biking reduces your sex drive.
Prof Dr Reich: Wrong. Intense physical exertion leads to exhaustion, but this has no effect on libido per se. Myth!
Myth number 4: Biking can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Prof Dr Reich: Wrong! Cycling has no influence whatsoever on the development of prostate cancer. However, extreme cycling can increase the so-called PSA value in some men. This value is important as part of a blood test for prostate cancer screening. My tip: avoid cycling for 4-6 weeks before the test.
You can find this article in BIKE 11/2018. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
