Bicycle riding and its relationship to the development of erectile dysfunction.

Abstract

Researchers have suggested that cycling is a hazard to the sexual health of men. Insufficient data have left cyclists skeptical of this claim. We explore risk factors within cycling that may put riders at risk for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). We performed an Internet based survey of cyclists to examine factors associated with cycling that might contribute to ED as defined by the International Index of Erectile Function. A total of 688 cyclists were included in the analysis ranging in age from 18 to 77 years. ED prevalence was 17% (115 of 688). Although results from univariate analysis revealed a correlation between ED and several tested variables, none proved to be statistically significant after controlling for age. The overall prevalence of ED in the cycling community does not appear to be greater than that of historical controls. Previously suggested alterations in riding habits may not change the prevalence of ED among cyclists.