ask: Cycling/Spinning Class: Does it Cause any Damage to Genitalia?
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Anonymous
March 22, 2009 - 7:22pm
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I have been taking a cycling/spinning class, and anyone who has ridden a bike knows that your "sit bones" can ache for a few days afterwards.
I started wondering if I am doing any long-term damage to my genital region by being on a bike? Is there any research on this? Is it the same for men and women?
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Hi Anon
There are actually differences for men and women in this area...are you male or female?
For men - there has been no conclusive research that long term bike riding affects fertility but it can cause numbness in the groin area (in fact, numbness is very common) and blood vessels or nerves can become damaged - this usually happens over a period of time. Some distance cyclists have also complained of erectile dysfunction. A man's saddle is usually longer and more narrow than a woman's to fit his frame.
For women,again, numbness is the most common complaint, with no real other concerns. (there are exceptions of course!) A woman's saddle is generally wider and shorter, to fit her frame.
What a person needs to do to avoid long term strain is to :
-make sure their bike is at the right height for them
-take breaks from activity
-make sure their saddle fits properly and consider a padded saddle
-consider padded bike shorts
If you are taking a spin class a few times a week, these precautions should ensure you have no issues.
Does this help?
March 23, 2009 - 12:13pmThis Comment
I have been cycling for three years. At first, I found that my sit bones and also my vaginal area were sore for days, and sometimes a full week after my first few long rides. I kept with it though and after consistent training, I no longer had that problem. I can now ride for four or five hours or longer without any pain or lingering discomfort.
June 1, 2009 - 10:48amComment by Anonymous on August 19th, 2009 - 1036am
August 19, 2009 - 7:47amI, unfortunately have not been so lucky in this department... For the first year, I was spinning regularly (about 4-5 times per week!) and didn't seem to feel any pain or side effects from spinning. I maintained a healthy diet and regular stretching (very important for spinners!). Then, things changed... Now, I am visiting neurologists to figure out why I have so much pain in the groin, legs, sciatic nerve down both legs (though rarely at the same time) and it is very painful! There are few drugs that will work to relieve the pain other than the hard core ones that I am not interested in taking. I can totally relate and do hope you find a solution to your pain.
Hello!
I'm a new spin class participant and am having a lot of discomfort in the genitalia and the pubic bone. Pain to the touch, rashing, really bad ingrown hairs and so on..... I bought padded shorts and used them last class and it didn't seem to help much. I've made an appointment to get a bikini wax and am hopeful this will help with the ingrown hairs. I'm pretty sure my bike is set up correctly. Does anybody have any advise? I am female, 39 years old and I truly love to spin! HELP ME!!
Thanks,
February 14, 2010 - 8:37pmH
Cycling should not cause ingrown hairs...this is actually caused by shaving, waxing or other hair removal treatments (the hair grows back, and can become "ingrown" in the skin). If you do not remove the hair, then it will not become ingrown.
The discomfort you feel...how long has this been occurring? For most women, cycling or spinning does cause pain/discomfort in the genital area for a few weeks, but then dissipates. It can take a while to get used to all of the pressure in that one area, and depends on the quality of the seat you are using, too. Have you talked with the instructor about your "seat area" discomfort? How long have you been cycling and experiencing pain?
February 14, 2010 - 9:27pmHello Allison,
I am fairly new to spin class. About 2 1/2 months and I attend anywhere from 1 to 3 times in a week.
March 7, 2010 - 8:46pmThe bikini wax seemed to help with the ingrown hairs as "The natural look" is not a realistic option for me.
Over time, the pain has diminished. I am becoming more comfortable in the saddle and with the fly wheel all together.
Thanks for the response!
Sincerely, H
Great--I'm glad to hear that the pain has diminished!
March 7, 2010 - 9:12pmI have been spinning at least 3 times a week sometimes 5 with a little discomfort but I adjusted and wear padded shorts. Now suddenly I have a lump on my right side between the very top of the thigh and vaginal area. It could also be an ingrown hair; but it is rather large an hurts. I have an appointment to see my doctor and hopefully she can figure it out. Are lumps common from putting too much pressure in the groin area?
July 28, 2010 - 11:08amHi Anon
It's possible to get lumps from heavy pressure that is not allowed time to heal, although it may be swelling, rather than a lump - is that possible?
Ingrown hairs are very painful and do create a bit lump (they may also get infected) so seeing the doctor is a good idea. You may want to do something other than spinning until you get it sorted.
Will you update us? We'd be interested to see what the lump is/was.
July 28, 2010 - 11:48amThanks-
~Susan
After seeing my gynocologist she says that it is an irritated hair folicale. Stop spinning until it goes a way; keep it clean and use neosporin if you want. Her advice if it hurts stop. Then use extra padding in shorts and on the seat. High tech advise, ha!?
August 10, 2010 - 6:58pm