May 22, 2026, 7:03 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
It trains large muscle groups and strengthens the cardiovascular system, while also being considered particularly gentle on the joints: cycling. From an ecological perspective, there are many reasons to switch to a bike more often—not just for sport, but also for the daily commute instead of using a car. However, a persistent rumor has been circulating for years: cycling might make men impotent. FITBOOK consulted experts to find out what’s really true.
Why Cycling Could Make Men Impotent
Cyclists probably know this: After sitting on a hard saddle for a long time, the genitals tend to go numb. Uncomfortable—and possibly not entirely harmless.
This numbness occurs because most of the body’s weight rests on the perineum while cycling. This is the area between the legs where many nerves run to the penis. According to a 2008 study, the combination of constriction and pressure can not only cause temporary numbness but also lead to injuries.1 These could potentially increase the risk of “serious problems in the genital area, up to impotence.”
A hard saddle exacerbates the problem. The position while cycling is said to reduce blood flow in the area of the sensitive male soft tissues by up to 70 percent. And even if the numb feeling subsides after a few minutes, study author Vinod Nargund reports that 60 percent of men who regularly cycle have a significantly increased likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction and fertility issues.
Expert Offers Reassurance
From a urological perspective, the question of whether cycling can make men impotent can be answered more nuanced today than a few years ago. Urologist Dr. Christoph Pies explains to FITBOOK, “The current state of research does not suggest that normal or moderate cycling leads to permanent impotence,” he confidently states. Larger studies have not been able to demonstrate a clear link between regular cycling and chronic erectile dysfunction.
So, one can assume that the typical sitting position on a bicycle does not cause permanent damage, according to Dr. Pies. And if it does, it is very rare and limited to extreme stress, such as in competitive cycling.
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When to Avoid Cycling Despite the Reassurance
However, intense or very frequent cycling can affect a specific lab value, urologist Pies admits: the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This is a protein produced exclusively in the prostate. The PSA level in the blood is primarily used in urology to detect prostate diseases such as prostate cancer early and to monitor their progression.
Due to the sustained pressure on the male soft tissues, the PSA level can temporarily rise. As a result, it may no longer be reliable for clarifying potential prostate diseases and could, in the worst case, lead to a false diagnosis.
“That’s why many urologists recommend avoiding intense cycling or ergometer training for about 24 to 48 hours before a PSA blood test,” explains Dr. Pies. This is especially true when borderline values need to be checked.
Tips for Men to Relieve the Strained Perineum
In summary, cycling poses no threat to male potency. However, to minimize the numbness, which can be quite bothersome, the posture on the bike is important, according to the expert.
“Problematic are especially positions that are strongly tilted forward and high pressure on the narrow saddle area.” From a urological perspective, well-fitted, pressure-relieving bike saddles are advisable. On long bike tours, one should regularly change the sitting position and take breaks. Additionally, wearing padded shorts can increase comfort.