Genital and sexual alterations in regular cyclists: A urological point of view

Abstract

Cycling is one of the leading sports activities practiced in the Western world; its promotion, even from political spaces, as a non-polluting transportation alternative in urban spaces has led to its frequent practice among men and women. Our objective was to review the association between regular cycling and the development of urological and sexual disorders in men and women. The intensity of cycling, the number of hours invested, the positioning of the seat, and the body position can lead to the development of urological and sexual disorders that can affect the quality of life. As for male cyclists, the intense practice of this sport has been associated with prostatic disturbances and pelvic pain. Sexual disorders have been identified with genital numbness and the development of injuries, and it is still controversial, although most of the literature does negate the development of erectile dysfunction. In women, it has been associated more frequently with dysuria and recurrent urinary infections; as for sexual disorders, it has been associated with chronic pelvic pain, genital numbness, and, more regularly, the development of genital sores. Regular and high-intensity cycling practice has urological and sexual effects in both men and women, but more studies are needed to reach better decisions.