thenewjs

Hello guys,

I cycle 30 miles everyday and as a disabled vet I my knees and back are jacked so I take lots of aspirin (Bayer Back & Body). I was with a young lady that im seeing (monogamous) and one night and I could not perform. I also noticed I dont get excited as I once did and iv always had a very strong sex drive. Went to the doctor to see if I could get some advice. After an exam the doctor concluded that my long bike rides and aspirin could be the culprit.

Be the person I am, I came home and did my own research and sure enough I found research that backed what doc is saying.

I ask you guys because this is a cycling forum, have any of you experienced erectile disorder and feeling cycling could be the cause. If so, have you encounter any successful remedies.

FYI, I'm 36.

Flame suit on!

Velo Vol 

You're asking about two separate causes of a problem.

pdoege

Yeah, once I went over about 200 miles a week I started to get a numb dick. It hit me after a 120 mile ride after about 3 months of really aggressive ride lengths. Totally numb dick. I stopped biking until I could feels things again. Took about a month.

If you routinely put in high miles you need a noseless saddle. Holes, cutouts, depressions, etc. don't matter and they make things worse. Notice that this will happen to anyone who has human nerves and blood vessels in their legs. Skill, toughness, and experience will not save you. Age counts against you as well.

The rule seems to be that any nose length over 3 inches (-ish it depends on your body's exact size) will cause the problem.

See:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-so...s/2009-131.pdf
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/...e-201209145290
https://www.webmd.com/men/features/b...-a-real-risk#1

I then discarded all of my saddles (Sob!) and moved to ISM PR saddles.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...=3OFL339W2MRDD

I also use a BiSaddle https://www.bisaddle.com on my hybrid.

And I tried a "Spongy Wonder" Home - Spongy Wonder However, they are for VERY upright riding.

So, the bad news is that I use dorky looking saddles. The good news is that my dick and the ladies are happy again.

Doge

The modern cut-out saddles may be a good idea.
As would be playing with tilt on your own.
If you do not have a properly adjusted center cut out saddle - start there first.

StanSeven

First, make sure you stand or at least lift your butt off the saddle every couple of miles. Next, be certain you have the right position/adjustment for the saddle. It should be relatively level with a slight bend in your knees and most of your weight over your sit bones. Lastly if those two don’t work, experiment with different saddles.

Ramona_W

IIRC aspirin is a blood thinner which some people use to help lower their stroke risk due to high blood pressure so it might be part of the problem. If the doctor didn't suggest a test to see what your various testosterone levels are then you might have to. You're only 36 but it's still a good idea. In fact, it might be worth doing some other tests as well just to get a baseline and be sure you're as healthy as you think you are and all systems are functioning properly. If you're taking anything besides aspirin, that might be having some less than desirable effects on you as well.

Good luck to you and the young lady!

CliffordK

I believe the nose of the saddle should be pointed at the handlebars. So, if you have a the bars above seat level, then you can have the seat level.

If you have the bars below seat level, then you may need to point the seat downwards a bit.

If you feel weight, or experience pain or numbness in the nether region, then make changes so you don't feel weight, pain, or numbness.

Machka 

When did Bikeforums become a medical site?


Suggestion: see a doctor!

raria

That simple advice will work wonders. Just getting out of the saddle, put the left crank in the six o'clock position stretch, put the right crank in the six o'clock position stretch works wonders for me.

My understanding is that he did see a doctor who gave a diagnosis (cycling and aspirin) and he wants feedback from the community as well. Sounds like a good strategy if the Dr doesn't ride or know much about cycling.

Machka 

Better to get a second opinion from someone in the medical profession.

CliffordK

Or ask for a referral to a doctor in sports medicine.

Still, it doesn't hurt to get an idea of some of the questions to ask.

memebag

What is the connection between NSAIDs and erectile dysfunction (ED)? | ISSM

Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other NSAIDs can cause erectile dysfunction.

I cycle half what you do and I don't need NSAIDs. I'm 52. If I were you I'd figure out what was causing the pain. Too many miles, bad fit, whatever it is, is the source and quit taking aspirin. It's also rough on the stomach.

I would also look for a seat that didn't hurt my junk.

mcours2006

You declining libido is probably a result of lower testosterone. Your ED is something else.

eja_ bottecchia

The same apply to those seeking legal advice.

If I want to know about the length of my crank I go to BF.

If, however, I want to find out why my crank is not up to speed, I go to my doctor.

Simple.

indyfabz

"Blood thinner" is a misnomer. They do not actually make you blood thinner (i.e., less viscous). They inhibit clotting mechanisms. I have been taking Warfarin since 1990 because I had a prosthetic heart valve installed. My blood isn't any "thinner" than the next person's.


Interesting story behind the discovery of Warfarin, the "Warf" of which stands for Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warfarin#History

BradH

I am 43 and also a disabled Veteran. When I retired a few years ago I picked up cycling. I needed a new physical outlet and it's been perfect for me.

I went through the same thing. I needed to correct my bike fit, get the right saddle, stand up every couple miles and ease into higher mileage. I have had zero issues since making those adjustments. Lots of good advice above.

nycphotography

I swear the first time I read this I saw: As would be playing with it on your own. lol

whitemax

I didn't see anything from the OP saying he was having problems with numbness which if that were the case might be attributed to the saddle. Given he's talking about ED and lack of libido I'd start by getting a good blood panel done so anything physical can be ruled out.

Velo Vol 

Where's the fun in that?

WhyFi

The fun comes after they get the ED sorted out.

DiabloScott

There was a few years ago, a big flap about cycling and impotence - it was mostly discredited because they studied people who didn't really ride so they didn't know about bike fit and such, but most people just saw the headline and thought "of course"... probably true for a lot of doctors too. So while it's possible your problem is from cycling, it makes a lot sense to get a second opinion from a doctor who understands cycling.

No this isn't a medical site - so my advice is ride more!

goenrdoug

also, with regards to the knees, you might consider arnica ointment with belladona -- it can do wonders for localized pain like that.

If it works for you, maybe you can quit the aspirin and avoid the various side effects of that (as discussed above) and concentrate on your seat/bike fit.

Nooner

I hear this every once in a while where I work.
A cut-out saddle and proper tilt can go a long way in waking up the snake.
Unless you are taking aspirin as heart therapy, only use it when really needed and not as some sort of routine.

TheRef

I'm not a doctor but I work with and personally know several doctors. I really doubt a doctor would just say cycling and aspirin without suggesting any follow up tests or referring the patient to a specialist.

I'm not buying it...

Ramona_W

Yeah. I had the right use but the wrong method. Thanks. And yes that is very interesting about the warfarin.