Cycling can hit women’s love life too! More than half of female riders suffer sexual problems as a result of ‘nerve compression’ caused by bicycle seats, study finds
- Researchers found more than half of female cyclists suffered sexual problems
- These were as a result of ‘nerve compression’ caused by their bicycle seats
- The study found most experienced ‘numbness’ associated with a ‘modest increase in risk of sexual dysfunction in women’
Male cyclists have long been aware of the potential risks to their sexual performance posed by saddles – but a new study reveals that women are also vulnerable.
Researchers found more than half of female cyclists suffered sexual problems as a result of ‘nerve compression’ caused by bicycle seats.
The study of the 875 women from Britain, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand established that most of them experienced ‘numbness’ associated with a ‘modest increase in risk of sexual dysfunction in women’.
Researchers found more than half of female cyclists suffered sexual problems as a result of ‘nerve compression’ caused by bicycle seats (file photo)
Scientists from the University of California in San Francisco said women who ride bicycles with drop handlebars are at greatest risk.
The design of saddles has changed little since bicycles were invented nearly 200 years ago and experts believe manufacturers should consider women’s requirements.
‘This research is vital to informing cycling manufacturers in designing safer seats and protective equipment for female cyclists,’ the scientists wrote in the study published in the journal Sexual Medicine.