In recent years, more and more people in Jiangcheng have taken up cycling as a means of transportation or exercise, with some cyclists even riding over a thousand kilometers at a time. Recently, a claim that “cycling can lead to male infertility” has gone viral online, causing concern among many male cyclists. Experts say that prolonged cycling can indeed have an impact on the male reproductive system.
Newlyweds rush to hospital for check-ups
Xiao Liu, who recently got married, usually cycles to his workplace not far from home. After hearing about the post, he became very worried. Yesterday, he went to the hospital specifically for consultation and wanted to undergo a reproductive health check-up.
Zheng Xinmin, Director of the Provincial Society of Andrology and a professor in the Department of Urology and Andrology at Zhongnan Hospital, said that cycling provides excellent cardiovascular exercise and has obvious benefits for weight loss and body shaping. However, cycling continuously for more than two hours can have certain effects on the male reproductive system. The friction from the bicycle saddle can raise the temperature of the scrotum and damage the vas deferens, affecting the testes’ sperm production function and leading to infertility. In addition, prolonged cycling can irritate the prostate, causing it to swell, become congested, or suffer injury, which can obstruct the discharge of prostatic fluid and result in prostatitis.
Long-distance, extended cycling should be avoided
Zheng Xinmin stated that his department has not yet treated any patients with infertility caused by cycling, but a foreign survey has confirmed the impact of long-term cycling on male fertility.
Experts advise male cyclists to adjust their saddle height to a comfortable level where there is no pressure on the perineum. Additionally, choosing a saddle that is roughly U-shaped, with the front slightly tilted downward, can help reduce pressure on the perineal area. Moreover, avoid cycling for extended periods; after about an hour of continuous riding, take a break to walk for a minute or two before resuming.
For those cyclists who frequently ride hundreds or even thousands of kilometers at a time, it’s essential to take appropriate breaks during the journey. In addition, such long-distance cycling should not be done too frequently, and each long ride should be spaced at least six months apart.