CYCLING, or any form of physical activity, is good for one's overall health. The cardiovascular workout it provides improves fitness levels and is a fun way to lose weight.
However, some claim sitting on the tiny saddle on bicycles harms prostate health and fertility in men.
Is there any truth to this?
Verdict
MAYBE
Dr Kevin Campbell from The Urology Group says cycling could actually reduce chances of developing prostate cancer.
"A 2018 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that men who cycled vigorously – 25 minutes of high-intensity cycling a day, on average – were 30% less likely to develop advanced prostate cancer, and 25% of the men were less likely to develop fatal prostate cancer."
However, Dr Campbell says, as with most things, moderation is key.
"Intense cycling can increase the levels of prostate-specific antigens (an antigenic enzyme released in the prostate usually found in men with prostate cancer) in the blood for 24 hours, which could alter the PSA test results among men tested soon after a hard workout," he says on urologygroup.com.
He reminded people to use extra cushioning when cycling to mitigate the risks of prostate inflammation.
As for male fertility, London's Kings College Hospital consultant urological surgeon Dr Christian Brown says nay.
"Researchers also looked at infertility and erectile dysfunction, and there was definitely no association between those issues and cycling.
"I think it's also worthwhile explicitly saying that cycling has many more benefits than detrimental aspects to it. Cycling doesn't actually cause these issues, but it can exacerbate them.
"For instance, if you're 55 or 60 years old and you have an enlarged prostate, riding your bike every weekend is not going to cause you any more problems.
"But if you're a young guy who gets a bit of prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome), cycling can make it worse," he told road.cc.
https://www.urologygroup.com/4-facts-about-biking-and-the-prostate/
https://road.cc/content/feature/prostates-and-pedalling-mens-health-saddle-278399Court,
