Is There A Link Between Bicycle Seats and Prostate Cancer in Men?

Research on the connection between bicycle seats and prostate cancer remains inconclusive. However, there is some evidence the trauma of bike riding for men could irritate the prostate or lead to prostatitis, the inflammation of the prostate.

A University College London study found that men who rode a bicycle more than 8.5 hours a week were more likely to have prostate cancer than others in the study who rode less often. However, researchers say the study wasn't definitive enough and relied only on self-reported data. The lead author of the study, Dr. Milo Hollingworth, told HealthDay the findings were "difficult to interpret."

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Dr. Hollingworth even noted that the health benefits of bike riding "are much more important" than the results of the study. According to Livestrong.com, a Swedish study, conducted between 1998 and 2007, found that lifetime physical activity reduces the incidence of prostate cancer. The researchers followed 45,887 men aged 45 to 79 and concluded that the risk of developing prostate cancer was reduced by 7 percent with each 30 minute period of walking or bicycling a day.

Certain bicycle seats can put pressure on the prostate area while riding for long periods over time, aggravating the prostate or even contributing to prostatitis. The pressure from frequent bike riding could increase the risk for infertility and erectile dysfunction, according to some studies.

Symptoms of prostatitis include frequent urination, slow or incomplete flow of urine, pain while urinating, erectile dysfunction, lower back or abdominal pain, and pain in areas near the prostate, such as the scrotum, urethra, and between the genitals and anus.

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Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include urinary problems, a decrease in the stream of urine, discomfort in the pelvic area, erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the lower back, hips or thighs.

Some of the symptoms of prostatitis are similar to those of prostate cancer. So men who experience these symptoms should check with a doctor. Men who have prostate problems or who have reached the age of 50 when the risk of prostate problems increase, should consider bicycle seats designed to take pressure off the groin area.

These protective seats include softer seats, seats designed with holes cut out, and split saddles for two sections with no central area. Men can also adjust seats at an angle to take pressure off the groin area, wear padded shorts or stand on the pedals whenever possible.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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