Bicycle Season... Hidden Risks to Men's Health?

According to the "2023 Bicycle Usage Status" report released by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the highest number of bicycle accident perpetrators occurred in May (613 cases), June (599 cases), and October (587 cases), in that order. The highest number of victims were recorded in October (866 cases), May (845 cases), and September (802 cases), respectively.

This suggests that as temperatures become milder and outdoor activities increase, the number of people using bicycles rises sharply, which in turn increases the risk of accidents during these seasons.

Bicycle. Provided by ClipartKorea

Health issues related to bicycles are not limited to traumatic accidents. In particular, it is important to note that prolonged cycling can have negative effects on men's urological health.

Generally, bicycle saddles are hard and narrow, and when riding, they continuously press against the perineum, the area between the scrotum and anus. Prolonged cycling or riding on uneven roads can cause continuous stimulation to this area, which contains the main blood vessels and nerves leading to the penis, urethra, and prostate. This may result in micro-inflammation, nerve damage, or impaired blood flow in the perineum, potentially causing non-bacterial prostatitis.

The prostate is an organ found only in men, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, and its role is to produce prostatic fluid, which is a component of semen.

Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate. However, in addition to infectious (bacterial) causes, there is also non-bacterial prostatitis, where symptoms appear without inflammatory findings due to a variety of factors.

Main symptoms include sharp or dull discomfort in the perineum, penis, or around the testicles; burning sensation during urination; frequent urination; a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying; pain during ejaculation; decreased libido; and pelvic pain that can worsen after sitting for long periods.

The exact cause of non-bacterial prostatitis is not known, but it is reported to be related to multiple factors such as perineal pressure, neuromuscular abnormalities, inflammatory stimulation, stress, and autonomic nervous system imbalance.

Diagnosis is made through urine tests, prostatic fluid analysis, and urodynamic studies. Treatment involves medication according to the cause, along with physical therapy, prostate massage, stress management, and improvements in diet and lifestyle habits. The treatment period generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, but some patients may require long-term management.

Seo Yeongeun, a urologist at Daedong Hospital, stated, "Prostatitis is a relatively common male condition, but it is often misunderstood as being difficult to treat due to chronic symptoms and recurrence," and emphasized, "Some patients rely on folk remedies or unproven treatments, which can actually worsen symptoms or cause complications. Therefore, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment from a urology specialist."

If you ride a bicycle frequently, it is important to create an environment that minimizes perineal pressure. Choose a saddle that matches the width of your pelvis and use a saddle with a ventilation hole in the center to reduce perineal pressure and improve breathability. Using auxiliary equipment such as padded shorts or shock-absorbing clothing can also be helpful.

Adjust the height and angle of the bicycle saddle to fit your body shape, and take breaks every 30 to 40 minutes during long rides to stretch and relieve perineal pressure.

To prevent prostatitis, make sure to drink enough water, eat a balanced diet, manage stress, refrain from smoking, avoid holding urine, maintain regular urination habits, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.

Additionally, since sitting for long periods can put pressure on the prostate, it is advisable to stand up and move around or stretch from time to time.

Early detection is important for urological diseases, including prostatitis. Therefore, if you experience pain or discomfort during urination, be sure to visit a medical institution for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.