Cycling and "numb nuts"

New York Times

I've posted about this issue before: here and here. It's also an issue for women, not just guys. 

Still another doctor warns cyclists about spending too much time on their bikes.

Doctor Richard S. Lang of the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute in the Cleveland Clinic's Men's Health Advisor newsletter:

How great is the risk of erectile dysfunction with bicycling?

Evidence suggests that sitting on a bicycle seat for extended periods of time may generate enough pressure on the perineum (the area between the testicles and the anus) to damage nerves and the artery that supplies blood to the penis. Adequate blood flow is necessary to produce and maintain an erection.

Many cyclists prefer bicycle seats with narrow protruding saddle noses because they provide for better control and steering, but these seats seem to be most associated with erection problems.

Instead, use a wide, well-padded seat or a newer ergonomic seat. Make sure your bike is the right size for your height and weight and that the seat is positioned at the correct height so that you don't fully extend your legs at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Avoid leaning forward all the time, which puts more pressure on your perineum.

Raising your handlebars so that you sit upright can help shift more of your weight and seat pressure from your perineum to your buttocks.

Take breaks during longer rides, and lift yourself off the seat occasionally to relieve pressure on the perineum. Most importantly, don't dismiss any genital pain or numbness.