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Penis Numbness: How to Avoid this and Other Cycling Risks

Cycling is an excellent way to stay in shape, but like all sports it comes with risks, such as sore muscles and, for men specifically, penis numbness. Of course, there are steps that men can take, from practicing proper penis care to choosing appropriate gear, to mitigate the difficulties that can get in the way of making cycling a preferred method of staying fit.

Penis numbness

Cycling is one of the best ways to get a healthy aerobic workout; for many men, however, spending a good amount of time in the cycling saddle can have an unintended consequence: numbness in the groin. This particular penis symptom is often assumed to be an unavoidable part of “real” cycling, but that’s not necessarily true.

Why the numbness?

The groin numbness results from pressure being exerted on the perineum, which is the area that starts at the scrotum and extends back to the anus. The perineum is loaded with nerves and blood vessels; cycling can create so much compression in the area that it deadens the nerves and keeps blood from freely flowing about as it needs to (which adds to the numbness).

Worse than numb

Numbness itself is bothersome, but in some cases there can be longer-term effects that are more worrisome, such as a decrease in the blood supply to the penis (which in turn can bring about issues with erections) and a loss of sensation in the penis (which can make sex less pleasurable).

Saddle choice

The shape of the saddle and its positioning can impact whether a man experiences these penis symptoms. A downward-tilting saddle is less likely to produce numbness, as is a saddle with a cutout in the middle. Also, wider saddles and those that do not have the “nose” shape tend to produce fewer numbness-related issues. However, each man is different, so what may typically work better for one man may not for another. Experimentation is key.

Gear

Proper cycling gear is also important for helping to avoid bike-related penis problems. Most biker shorts are made to be worn without underwear. In these cases, tighter is usually better, as loose shorts give the penis and testicles too much room to move around. This freedom of movement can result in chafing and soreness.

For this reason, some men opt to wear a jock or underwear with the biker shorts. This works for some, but others find that they become uncomfortable. The lycra of the shorts already creates a fair amount of heat; the addition of another layer increases the heat, sometimes creating a rash as a result.

Bib it

One solution that works for many men is to wear bibs rather than shorts. This is said to create more stability and avoid issues related to the shorts.

Some men also suggest using chamois butter when wearing either shorts or bibs; however, in these cases, it is important to thoroughly clean the gear between rides.

Keep it healthy

Cyclers can also help deal with manhood issues by paying attention to general penis health. One of the best ways to keep the tool healthy is to regularly use a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). The selected crème should definitely contain ingredients that address chafed skin and heat rashes; the combination of a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator like vitamin E is a fine choice. Ideally, a cyclist will spread on a crème that also contains acetyl L-carnitine and L-arginine. The former helps deal with peripheral nerve damage and can help restore loss of sensation in the equipment; the latter helps produce nitric oxide, which in turn keeps blood vessels open and blood flowing. A top-notch penis health crème can be a male cyclist’s best friend.

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