Does Cycling Improve or Worsen the Male Pelvic Floor?

If I asked you which parts of the body are important to take care of for your sexual health , would you think of the pelvic floor? Most likely, it’s not the first (or even the second) thing that comes to mind. And yet, its condition can determine the firmness of erections, control over ejaculation, and, in general, whether your sex life is satisfying… or not at all. But since we've already talked about the importance of the pelvic floor , in this article I want to ask a question that is increasingly concerning to more men: does cycling strengthen or damage the male pelvic floor?

Without a doubt, cycling has gained popularity not just as a means of transportation but also as one of the most common physical activities. However, it has also raised some questions and concerns related to sexual health . And since the goal of this blog is to clear up doubts and provide information grounded in science and sexology, we recommend that you take five minutes to read this article, where we’ll lay out the key issues on the topic.

What Is the Male Pelvic Floor and Why Is It So Important?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs (bladder, intestines and prostate) and play an active role in key functions like urination, bowel movements, erections , and ejaculation . For men, having a strong and healthy pelvic floor can boost sexual performance and help prevent issues like erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and chronic pelvic pain .

However, these muscles can also become weak or overly tense, which can lead to dysfunction rather than improvement. So, the common causes include a sedentary lifestyle and chronic constipation, but also things like excessive strain or certain sports performed with poor technique . And this is exactly where cycling comes into the picture.

Cycling: General Benefits with Some Caveats

Cycling is a powerful cardiovascular exercise: it improves blood circulation, reduces stress, and builds endurance. Overall, it’s great for both physical and mental health. But when it comes to the connection between cycling and the pelvic floor, there are a few important nuances to consider .

The main concern is the constant pressure placed on the perineum , the area between the anus and the scrotum, especially when the bike seat is narrow or not properly adjusted. This pressure can sometimes affect the pudendal nerves and blood vessels, which in some cases has been linked to genital numbness, pain, temporary erectile dysfunction, or pelvic discomfort.

Can Cycling Affect Male Sexual Function?

Some studies have shown a link between long-distance cycling and sexual issues in men. For instance, research by Sommer et al. (2001) found that frequent cyclists, those who ride for many hours a week using poorly designed saddles, may experience erectile dysfunction due to neurovascular compression .

However, other studies (like Schrader et al., 2008) suggest that with proper technique and well-fitted equipment, cycling poses no greater risk to sexual health than other forms of exercise . In fact, some pelvic floor physiotherapists believe that moderate cycling can be part of a healthy routine with good support and no pain. So… what’s the verdict?

How to Protect Your Pelvic Floor When Cycling

You don’t have to give up your bike forever. Just make a few smart adjustments that can support your overall health, especially your sexual health:

1. Use an ergonomic saddle : Opt for anatomically designed seats that better distribute your weight and reduce pressure on the perineum.
   
   

2. Adjust the height and angle properly : Poor bike setup can lead to unnecessary strain on your pelvic area.
   
   

3. Take breaks and shift your position : Standing up on the pedals now and then helps relieve pressure.
   
   

Incorporate pelvic floor exercises : Strengthen these muscles with Kegels or targeted functional training to maintain balance and support.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Best Done with Professional Guidance

As we mentioned in the previous point, exercises to strengthen the male pelvic floor can be very effective, but there is a widespread problem: believing that you can do them by learning from a tutorial taken from the internet. And the biggest recommendation we can give you is that they should be done with professional supervision , at least in the initial phase.

Many men perform Kegel exercises without prior evaluation, which can lead to unnecessary strain or the opposite of the desired effect . A specialized physiotherapist is usually responsible for assessing the condition of the pelvic floor and teaching an appropriate and personalized guideline.

Well-guided Kegel exercises help to improve ejaculation control, enhance erections and prevent incontinence. It is also advisable to work the deep abdominal area, the diaphragm and the buttocks , as they are part of the core and pelvic floor functional set.

Conclusion: Cycling and the Male Pelvic Floor

Riding a bike is not bad for the male pelvic floor if done with body awareness and good technique. In fact, it can be part of a healthy lifestyle. The problem arises when long hours, poor posture and lack of attention to the body's signals are combined .

As experts in Sexology, we always recommend observing the body, listening to its responses and seeking a balance between activity and self-care. And if any discomfort appears, it is time to consult a physiotherapist specialized in male pelvic floor . We assure you that it is a great investment in your sexual health.

Sources

• Schrader, S. M., Breitenstein, M. J., & Lowe, B. D. (2008). Cutting off the nose to save the penis. The journal of sexual medicine, 5(8), 1932–1940.  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00867.x  

• Sommer, F., König, D., Graft, C., Schwarzer, U., Bertram, C., Klotz, T., & Engelmann, U. (2001). Impotence and genital numbness in cyclists. International journal of sports medicine, 22(6), 410–413.  https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2001-16248