Benign prostate enlargement affects 50 percent of men over the age of 50, and the chances increase as they age. As many as 90 percent of men could have symptoms of an enlarged prostate after age of 80.
There is no evidence that cycling causes an enlarged prostate because the problem develops naturally in older men. Some evidence suggests bike riding could irritate the prostate or aggravate prostatitis, the inflammation of the prostate. Men might also get an inflamed prostate from riding a bicycle.
The prostate, which helps produce semen, may grow large enough to constrict the urethra to cause urinary difficulties. The condition can be treated through medication or, in some cases, surgery. Since some symptoms of an enlarged prostate could also indicate more serious problems, including prostate cancer, men are advised to check with a doctor when suspecting prostate trouble.
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An enlarged prostate also puts a man at risk for inflammation and infections. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include frequent urination or increased frequency at night, weak urine flow, difficulty to start urinating or completely empty the bladder, straining while urinating or dribbling toward the end of urination,
according to the Mayo Clinic.
Bike riding can cause prostatitis because of the long time sitting or bouncing that puts pressure on the prostate,
according to Livestrong.com. Bike riders can take steps to avoid the inflammation by using bicycle seats with a lot of padding or soft seats that include gels. You can also keep pressure off the prostate area with a seat that has holes, a split seat with no central area or noseless saddles,
according to Prostate.net. Bike riders may angle the seat in a way that doesn’t put pressure on the prostate or interfere with blood flow in the area.
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Symptoms of prostatitis include slow or incomplete urinary flow, pain while urinating, frequent urination, lower back pain and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include erectile dysfunction, painful bowel movements, post-ejaculatory pain, or pain in the scrotum, tip of the penis and between the genitals and anus. Some of these symptoms could suggest prostate cancer, so seeing a doctor is important.
Bicycle riding might have an effect on PSA levels while testing for prostate problems and prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although research has been mixed, one study revealed that bike riding causes temporary elevated PSA levels, which could lead to false results. Men planning on a PSA test should avoid cycling for 24 to 48 hours before the test.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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