Numb Penis and Erectile Dysfunction

vespertine777 · May 2015

Hi there

I can see many have come across this before from other posts I have read on here, but has anyone has numbness and ED that appears to have lasted 10 days or longer. I ask as I recently purchased a new road bike from my local Giant store. Having attended Spinning classed three times a week for the last three years, I knew my aerobic capacity was good, and decided its time to retire my old MTB and get a road bike. When I collected it from the store they set me on the bike and just adjusted the seat and having looked at my reached advised it "looked about right". First day out I planned a route without knowing how far it was. Turned out it was 42 miles on my Strava which I was pleased with. Next day I went out again and did 25 miles, then 36 on the third day. After the second time I did notice a numbness/tingling sensation in my penis, especially at the tip. I didn't link it up with the bke at that time, but when it didn't appear to improve I did some research and found this is a common complaint with cyclists, especially if they clock up miles. If only the shop I purchased this from had mentioned it I would have been more wary. Anyway following suggestions on here I adjusted the seat slightly forward and tilted it down slightly so I am not putting weight on my perinium so much. Went out just once more, and it felt more comfortable as if I was resting on my seat bones. Also made a point of getting out of the seat every few minutes. During the period after the initial numbness I noticed I was strugling to obtain an erection, and now I can't get one at all without plenty of coaxing. No morning horn or spontanious movements during the day. HAve booked to see the doc, but now getting very concerned in case I have permanant damage. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so did it resolve itself in the end. I have now parked up the bike until I get further advise. Frustraing as it cost a lot of many.

Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Clive

k-dog · May 2015

I think it's unlikely that you've done serious damage - probably just soft tissue inflammation that will take a few days to recover.

I used to get numbness and tingling a lot - but a new seat sorted it out. Saddles are very personal but I found a Specialized BG in a suitable width and haven't had any numbness since.

That and getting your fit right are the important things.

vespertine777 · May 2015

k-dog wrote:

I think it's unlikely that you've done serious damage - probably just soft tissue inflammation that will take a few days to recover.

I used to get numbness and tingling a lot - but a new seat sorted it out. Saddles are very personal but I found a Specialized BG in a suitable width and haven't had any numbness since.

That and getting your fit right are the important things.

Hello K Dog

Thank you for your reply. A new seat with a split in the middel is already on the shopping list. Will invest in a proper bike fit too. The tingling has gone, but still no full sensation, just some, and of course no hard on. Its almost as if it isn't attached to me. A few days didn't worry me, but 10 days + is worrying. Fortunately I have an understanding partner, but its the effect it is having on me. Worse still I am dying to get out on my bike again having ony purchased it 2 weeks ago .

k-dog · May 2015

These things can take a while. I did 125 miles one day last summer and my hands were pretty bad - I had numb 4th and 5th fingers for quite a while and it was probably a couple of weeks before I was 100%.

10 days eh? Wouldn't make much difference around here...

Dandelionclock30 · May 2015

I'm calling Troll and c o c k and bull story.
Everyone knows that the only solution to this would be amputation.

vespertine777 · May 2015

Dandelionclock30 wrote:

I'm calling Troll and c o c k and bull story.
Everyone knows that the only solution to this would be amputation.

Wish it was cock and bull story, but it isn't.

wishitwasallflat · May 2015

Probably just inflamm that will subside but see GP. I get same issue but less dramatic effect, best saddles to try are Selle SMP or SQ Lab 611. Rose will send SQ from Germany on (as I remember) 21 day money back test and Dillglove will send out SMPs for test. Either are way way better forgery earl relief than the Spesh BG models IME but saddles are very personal. Hope you are up and about again soon!

ravey1981 · May 2015

Get married, then you wont need to use it anyway. Allegedly.

veronese68 · May 2015

What kind of bike is it? I've just thought of how to get a new bike approved by the Mrs.

simon_masterson · May 2015

Have a look online at some typical fitting guides. If your current positioning is radically different in saddle height and fore-aft (particularly), and level, consider bringing it (gradually) more into line. If it isn't, go and see a health professional that knows about cycling (there are some bike fitters that specialise in this area).

Don't rely on the advice or anecdotes of strangers on the web, or try to buy a saddle based on what looks right - doing things this way can be ok if you're experiencing mild discomfort, but anything worse is likely to be best cured by someone that knows what they're doing.

vespertine777 · May 2015

Simon Masterson wrote:

Have a look online at some typical fitting guides. If your current positioning is radically different in saddle height and fore-aft (particularly), and level, consider bringing it (gradually) more into line. If it isn't, go and see a health professional that knows about cycling (there are some bike fitters that specialise in this area).

Don't rely on the advice or anecdotes of strangers on the web, or try to buy a saddle based on what looks right - doing things this way can be ok if you're experiencing mild discomfort, but anything worse is likely to be best cured by someone that knows what they're doing.

Hello Simon

Thank you very much for the info on bike set up. To be honest all the bike set up or adjustment I got when I collected it was raising the height of the seat (what has caused my problem) and told that looks about right. I have read about something called Bikers Syndrome which seems to have all the symptoms I have. I just hope things improve the this ED gets better. Only three rides and 100 miles and I get these problems all because I wasn't given a bit more information in the first place. Beware any others out there that are reading this and new to road biking. Just be careful with that seat.

simon_masterson · May 2015

I wouldn't make any assumptions just yet - it's just possible that you're right, but the 'right' saddle height can take some getting used to if accustomed to having the saddle too low, and the symptoms you describe can occur if your fit is significantly 'wrong', and/or the saddle you have is the wrong shape for your sit bones. Calculating your saddle height based on your inseam using one of the established methods Google can bring up generally works well, for example, and too much weight on the arms can cause discomfort and numbness.

fenix · December 2016

Really don't think you've much to worry about - but its probably just too much too soon. Three consecutive days of decent distance on a new bike. Also do you rise out of the saddle much ? Ride hillier routes and you'll get more rest from the saddle.

MikeBrew · December 2016

A saddle with a central cut out like this one will help : selle-italia-max-flite-gel-flow-saddle-black-NA-EV147804-9901-1.jpg

The cut away is so that the nerves involved in this type of problem stay uncompressed by your body weight.

A saddle height that is either too high or too low, will also exacerbate such a problem. Worth getting that checked properly.

Anonymous · December 2016

Almost the same problems as Op - numb in the gentleman regions for about 10 days after a 65 mile ride on my new giant road bike . Saddle is a Giant "neutral" saddle. Went back to the Lbs and had a basic set up done - saddle tilting down too much and seat post way too low... Much better now .

Will be booking in for a full bike fit in the new year as I'm using my mtb while the roads are slippy / muddy / salty etc

salty seadog · December 2016

I used to get the numbness, it felt like it just wasn't there. A very small tilt downwards has pretty much sorted it for me. You are right to get out of the saddle every few minutes or so to let the blood flow properly again. Same goes for the whole body really. Get a good back stretch in shake your arme from time to time and wiggle the toes and feet.

bbrap · December 2016

I once had a similar problem when I went for a ride without dressing properly (in the gentleman sense). Instead of pulling it up in the bibs I allowed it to go under and basically sat on it for a couple of hours. That made it go numb.

cycleclinic · December 2016

There is something wrong with your position or saddle. There is no way you should be getting ED from riding a bike.

The saddle should be level and you bum should be right at the back when riding. Start there.

step83 · December 2016

salty seadog wrote:

I used to get the numbness, it felt like it just wasn't there. A very small tilt downwards has pretty much sorted it for me. You are right to get out of the saddle every few minutes or so to let the blood flow properly again. Same goes for the whole body really. Get a good back stretch in shake your arme from time to time and wiggle the toes and feet.

Generally found that with me I have to nose the saddle down a couple a degree or two, not enough so you slip forward but enough to help. Saddle wise I can ride with either a full saddle or a centre cut out but, a good saddle once worn in is like an old sofa, it just fits. Rode with this for well over a year once dialled in never gave me any grief bar the odd damp crotch on wet days.

Selle Italia SLR Flow Max

MikeBrew · December 2016

thecycleclinic wrote:

There is no way you should be getting ED from riding a bike.

Conversely, if riding a bike is giving you wood this could also be an issue......

:oops:

On a more serious note, the following is worth a read : http://radio-weblogs.com/0107064/catego ... 10/05.html

charlie_potatoes · December 2016

Any photo's Clive?

kingrollo · December 2016

personally a saddle with a cut out, a trip to gp, and a bike fit.

I wouldn't ride that bike again until you have done the above. Stick on a credit card if you have to. If your tampering with nerves down there you can do some serious damage.

hsiaolc · December 2016

vespertine777 wrote:

Simon Masterson wrote:

Have a look online at some typical fitting guides. If your current positioning is radically different in saddle height and fore-aft (particularly), and level, consider bringing it (gradually) more into line. If it isn't, go and see a health professional that knows about cycling (there are some bike fitters that specialise in this area).

Don't rely on the advice or anecdotes of strangers on the web, or try to buy a saddle based on what looks right - doing things this way can be ok if you're experiencing mild discomfort, but anything worse is likely to be best cured by someone that knows what they're doing.

Hello Simon

Thank you very much for the info on bike set up. To be honest all the bike set up or adjustment I got when I collected it was raising the height of the seat (what has caused my problem) and told that looks about right. I have read about something called Bikers Syndrome which seems to have all the symptoms I have. I just hope things improve the this ED gets better. Only three rides and 100 miles and I get these problems all because I wasn't given a bit more information in the first place. Beware any others out there that are reading this and new to road biking. Just be careful with that seat.

I am sorry for your problems but hope it is resolved now.

You can't blame the shop for not inform you of this. It is not something that many gets (I never got it)

It is something to do with your fitting or the saddle (i bet one of those two) that's causing the problem so please stop blaming the shop or frame manufacturer for this.

kingrollo · December 2016

hsiaolc wrote:

vespertine777 wrote:

Simon Masterson wrote:

Have a look online at some typical fitting guides. If your current positioning is radically different in saddle height and fore-aft (particularly), and level, consider bringing it (gradually) more into line. If it isn't, go and see a health professional that knows about cycling (there are some bike fitters that specialise in this area).

Don't rely on the advice or anecdotes of strangers on the web, or try to buy a saddle based on what looks right - doing things this way can be ok if you're experiencing mild discomfort, but anything worse is likely to be best cured by someone that knows what they're doing.

Hello Simon

Thank you very much for the info on bike set up. To be honest all the bike set up or adjustment I got when I collected it was raising the height of the seat (what has caused my problem) and told that looks about right. I have read about something called Bikers Syndrome which seems to have all the symptoms I have. I just hope things improve the this ED gets better. Only three rides and 100 miles and I get these problems all because I wasn't given a bit more information in the first place. Beware any others out there that are reading this and new to road biking. Just be careful with that seat.

I am sorry for your problems but hope it is resolved now.

You can't blame the shop for not inform you of this. It is not something that many gets (I never got it)

It is something to do with your fitting or the saddle (i bet one of those two) that's causing the problem so please stop blaming the shop or frame manufacturer for this.

Depends to me if the shop promise a bike fitting session it should be a little more than swinging youre leg over and saying looks about right.

When I was buying my last bike - I was told the free fitting session would last around 3 hours - in reality it lasted 20 minutes and wasn't really a fitting session at all. It caused me a bit of grief until I took to Adrian Timmiss who sorted things out.

hsiaolc · December 2016

kingrollo wrote:

hsiaolc wrote:

vespertine777 wrote:

Simon Masterson wrote:

Have a look online at some typical fitting guides. If your current positioning is radically different in saddle height and fore-aft (particularly), and level, consider bringing it (gradually) more into line. If it isn't, go and see a health professional that knows about cycling (there are some bike fitters that specialise in this area).

Don't rely on the advice or anecdotes of strangers on the web, or try to buy a saddle based on what looks right - doing things this way can be ok if you're experiencing mild discomfort, but anything worse is likely to be best cured by someone that knows what they're doing.

Hello Simon

Thank you very much for the info on bike set up. To be honest all the bike set up or adjustment I got when I collected it was raising the height of the seat (what has caused my problem) and told that looks about right. I have read about something called Bikers Syndrome which seems to have all the symptoms I have. I just hope things improve the this ED gets better. Only three rides and 100 miles and I get these problems all because I wasn't given a bit more information in the first place. Beware any others out there that are reading this and new to road biking. Just be careful with that seat.

I am sorry for your problems but hope it is resolved now.

You can't blame the shop for not inform you of this. It is not something that many gets (I never got it)

It is something to do with your fitting or the saddle (i bet one of those two) that's causing the problem so please stop blaming the shop or frame manufacturer for this.

Depends to me if the shop promise a bike fitting session it should be a little more than swinging youre leg over and saying looks about right.

When I was buying my last bike - I was told the free fitting session would last around 3 hours - in reality it lasted 20 minutes and wasn't really a fitting session at all. It caused me a bit of grief until I took to Adrian Timmiss who sorted things out.

Maybe the fitting might not be perfect or processional enough but it is not something they need or should inform you about.

You might as well complain that they didn't inform you about risks of dying on the road from cycling.

Please lets not have this blame culture and in this case I can't see the link at all back to the shop.

You can complain that they didn't do the fitting properly and so it has caused you the problem you are having and can suggest they should give you a professional fitting service.

No professional fitting service will inform you whatever your have an issue with. This issue is mostly your own issue as incorrect fitting causes different problems for different people.

shimanobottombracket · December 2016

vespertine777 wrote:

Simon Masterson wrote:

Have a look online at some typical fitting guides. If your current positioning is radically different in saddle height and fore-aft (particularly), and level, consider bringing it (gradually) more into line. If it isn't, go and see a health professional that knows about cycling (there are some bike fitters that specialise in this area).

Don't rely on the advice or anecdotes of strangers on the web, or try to buy a saddle based on what looks right - doing things this way can be ok if you're experiencing mild discomfort, but anything worse is likely to be best cured by someone that knows what they're doing.

Hello Simon

Thank you very much for the info on bike set up. To be honest all the bike set up or adjustment I got when I collected it was raising the height of the seat (what has caused my problem) and told that looks about right. I have read about something called Bikers Syndrome which seems to have all the symptoms I have. I just hope things improve the this ED gets better. Only three rides and 100 miles and I get these problems all because I wasn't given a bit more information in the first place. Beware any others out there that are reading this and new to road biking. Just be careful with that seat.

The last couple of new bikes I purchased come with appalling seats. They are narrow and harder than Mike Tysons temper. No wonder your willy wont work, some seats are physically painful for me to sit on even after a mile or 2. A new seat sorts the comfort out for me. I didnt even need anything fancy or specific, just a decent amount of give and not too narrow. The internet if full of useful tips on how to fix bits on your bike, but is terrible if you need to fix bits of yourself. See a doc.

The Rookie · December 2016

Having ridden a fair few lower end Giant rental bikes, I do believe their saddles were designed by the Spanish Inquisition and then not used due to being too inhumane. Note both complainers are on Giant bikes.

The issue I found is that we're my sit bones go is inclined forwards quite markedly (you can see by the wear on the saddle how the shape does this) the result is you slip forward and end up balanced on your perineum which is certainly not how you want to be on a bike. I have seen regular cyclists reduced to tears on these razor blades after just 3 hours in the saddle, the only people (2 of about 15 I've ridden with) I know of who got on with them are very slim built with narrow sit bones. The mid to higher range models are much better equipped.

So bad are they that I keep an old Carrera saddle in our overseas office to go on the rental bikes for any guests I take out, I also had a Carrera saddle but now am using a spare Spoon.

onionmk · May 2017

Goof job you stopped riding. Now if you ever want to ride again definitely invest in a good bike fit!

I love riding my bike and have had minor issues with numbness and discomfort in the past, but I personally wouldn't ride until I knew it wouldn't be causing me any harm. I can't stress a bike fit enough.. It's a lifelong investment.

All the best..

geryben · May 2017

That sounds crazy.
The same issue here.
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/h ... ile-23556/
How to avoid it?

vespertine777 wrote:

Hi there

I can see many have come across this before from other posts I have read on here, but has anyone has erectile dysfunction and best impotence drugs didn't helped me. I ask as I recently purchased a new road bike from my local Giant store. Having attended Spinning classed three times a week for the last three years, I knew my aerobic capacity was good, and decided its time to retire my old MTB and get a road bike. When I collected it from the store they set me on the bike and just adjusted the seat and having looked at my reached advised it "looked about right". First day out I planned a route without knowing how far it was. Turned out it was 42 miles on my Strava which I was pleased with. Next day I went out again and did 25 miles, then 36 on the third day. After the second time I did notice a numbness/tingling sensation in my penis, especially at the tip. I didn't link it up with the bke at that time, but when it didn't appear to improve I did some research and found this is a common complaint with cyclists, especially if they clock up miles. If only the shop I purchased this from had mentioned it I would have been more wary. Anyway following suggestions on here I adjusted the seat slightly forward and tilted it down slightly so I am not putting weight on my perinium so much. Went out just once more, and it felt more comfortable as if I was resting on my seat bones. Also made a point of getting out of the seat every few minutes. During the period after the initial numbness I noticed I was strugling to obtain an erection, and now I can't get one at all without plenty of coaxing. No morning horn or spontanious movements during the day. ED drugs could help me but nothing. Erectile dysfunction pills must be very effective. HAve booked to see the doc, but now getting very concerned in case I have permanant damage. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so did it resolve itself in the end. I have now parked up the bike until I get further advise. Frustraing as it cost a lot of many.

Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Clive

jmichel444 · May 2019

Clive,

Did you ever get any resolution? Same symptoms here...

mouth · May 2019

my immediate thought was to resurrect the 'big girls thread'

Numb Penis and Erectile Dysfunction

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