Cycling and Sexual Health: What Every Rider Should Know About Numbness, Blood Flow, and Pleasure
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The tingling. The numbness. The awkward post-ride soreness that lingers longer than it should.
If you’ve ever stepped off your bike and wondered, “Is this normal?” — you’re not alone.
In fact, this post is a follow-up to one of the most popular and surprising articles on my blog:
👉 Can Cycling Improve Orgasms? The Surprising Science Behind the Ride
But this time, I want to dig a little deeper — into the very real concerns cyclists have about sexual health, saddle pain, and how to ride with comfort and confidence for years to come.
🧠 The Science of the Saddle
When you ride a bike, especially for long distances or multiple days in a row, a lot of pressure is focused right where you don’t want it — the perineum, the area between your sit bones that contains major nerves and blood vessels.
For men, too much compression here can lead to erectile issues or prolonged numbness.
For women, it can cause vaginal discomfort, chafing, or even decreased sensitivity.
But don’t panic — most of these issues are caused by poor bike fit, the wrong saddle, or lack of movement during long rides. And most of them are fixable.
🚨 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
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Numbness or tingling that lasts more than 10–15 minutes post-ride
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Pain in the saddle area during or after rides
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Erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual sensitivity
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Chafing or soreness even after short rides
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Discomfort sitting down the next day
Listen to your body — early discomfort is your warning sign.
🛠️ What You Can Do (and What I Did)
Here’s what helped me — and what thousands of other cyclists swear by:
✔️ Choose the Right Saddle
Look for saddles with a center cutout or pressure-relieving channel.
For men and women alike, the wrong saddle can be the root of everything.
Try:
👉 Terry Fly
✔️ Adjust Your Position
Raise your handlebars slightly to reduce downward pressure.
If you're leaning too far forward, you’re compressing nerves without realizing it.
✔️ Padded Shorts Matter
A good chamois helps distribute pressure and prevents chafing.
Don’t skimp — trust me.
👉 My go-to padded shorts
✔️ Stand Up Every 10–15 Minutes
Even a 10-second stand relieves pressure and improves circulation.
✔️ Use Chamois Cream or Anti-Chafe Balms
After long rides, I sometimes apply Chamois Butt’r Stick after a shower to speed up healing.
👉I wrote a post about it here.
❤️ Cycling and Pleasure? Yes, Actually.
Now here’s the part that surprises people:
Cycling, done right, can actually enhance sexual well-being.
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It increases endurance and cardiovascular health
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It can boost libido due to improved blood flow
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It may reduce stress and anxiety — both of which improve intimacy
More than that, some cyclists — myself included — find that the sense of physical control, body awareness, and post-ride euphoria sometimes spills into the bedroom.
I’m not saying a long ride replaces intimacy.
But it just might help you enjoy it more.
🪞Final Thoughts: Don’t Quit. Just Adjust.
If you're riding with pain, numbness, or discomfort, don’t give up cycling.
Don’t suffer in silence either.
Get fitted. Make changes. Invest in gear that works for your body.
After 50+ years of riding, I’ve learned this truth:
🚴 Your bike should bring you joy — not take it away.
➕ Related Reading:
These are the 2 most important items you absolutely must have as a cyclist
- Giro Fixture MIPS II Helmet — my #1 safety essential. See colors & price
- Przewalski Bib Shorts — comfort that keeps you riding. See them
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