Mountain Biking Can Be Rough On The Testicles

Posting Date: 01/01/2001

Original broadcast date: Oct. 20, 2000

Males who are avid bicycle riders know about scrotal chafing and tenderness, but a new study warns that rugged mountain biking can also significantly increase the risk of infertility.

Scrotal abnormalities such as calcium deposits, cysts and twisted veins are common among male mountain bikers, according to an Austrian study published in The Lancet.

I?ve seen similar studies that show how bicycle seats can be blamed for scrotal injuries and the rough terrain of mountain biking adds to the danger. Also, twisted veins are known to impair fertility.

In the latest research, doctors at Austria?s University Hospital, 96 percent of 45 mountain bikers had scrotal abnormalities, compared to 16 percent of such problems in 31 men who never biked.

If you like to mountain bike, there are some ways to cut down on the risk of scrotal injuries. One way is to take frequent rest breaks. You should also have good padding in the bike seat and wear padded bike shorts. Some bicycle seats are also designed to help avoid such scrotal traumas and seats should be raised high enough so you sit at the proper angle.

Source: The Lancet, Oct. 21, 2000

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