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Cycling Causes Infertility? Doctor: Avoid Prolonged Rides
pine Webmaster of Pineapple
2009/07/07 15:03
508 topics published
Update Date: 2009/07/06 18:37 By Lai You-lin

[Taiwan Awakening News Reporter Lai You-lin Reports] Can cycling lead to low sperm count and infertility in men? Both cycling coaches and doctors admit it’s possible—but only if riding for excessively long periods. They note that moderate cycling can even enhance sexual function. For those genuinely concerned, there’s no need to give up cycling altogether. Coaches suggest taking breaks by dismounting and resting before continuing.

Professor Huang Jin-hong, a cycling instructor at Taipei Physical Education College, explains that prolonged sitting on the saddle can impair blood circulation in the scrotum and raise its temperature, which may indeed reduce sperm count. However, this primarily affects long-distance competitive cyclists, not casual riders.

Ho Li-ching, Secretary-General of the Chinese Taipei Cyclist Federation, adds that unless overdone, the saddle’s pressure on the groin during cycling can actually improve sexual function. She joked, "Take Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour de France winner)—he has three children."

"Anyone who rides for eight or nine hours without resting is a fool," Huang remarked. Most people cycle for leisure or commuting, not speed like competitive athletes. Even athletes, he notes, will stand periodically to relieve numbness and boost speed.

For long-distance rides—50 kilometers or more—Huang recommends cycling for 30 minutes, then resting for 10, drinking water or walking around to avoid prolonged saddle pressure.

Dr. Chen Sheng-kai, Director of the Department of Sports Medicine at Kaohsiung Medical University, points out that recreational cycling is unlikely to affect sperm count unless done excessively. Competitive cyclists, however, face risks from intense training or races that may compress the vas deferens, potentially causing infertility.

Beyond fertility concerns, cycling carries other risks, such as running red lights or competing with motor vehicles. Ho emphasizes that cyclists must respect others' right-of-way, especially in cities with heavy traffic. "Don’t fight for space—prioritize safety."

Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……rl/ d/ a/ 090706/ 115/ 1mjxb. html
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