Erectile Dysfunction - Andrology

Erectile Dysfunction in Cyclists
Is There Any Difference in Penile Blood Flow during Cycling in an Upright versus a Reclining Position?
F. Sommer, U. Schwarzer, T. Klotz, H.-P. Caspers, G. Haupt, U. Engelmann

Departments of Urology, University Medical Centre of Cologne, and Paracelsus Klinik Golzheim, Düsseldorf, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Urol 2001;39:720-723 (DOI: 10.1159/000052533)

  Key Words

• Transcutaneous oxygen pressure
• Erectile dysfunction
• Penile blood supply

  Abstract

Objective: Perineal compression during bicycling appears to be responsible for some cases of erectile dysfunction.

Material and Methods: In 46 healthy athletic men transcutaneous penile oxygen pressure (tpO₂) at the glands of the penis was measured, using a transcutaneous measurement device. It has been shown that the tpO₂ levels measured at the glans correlate with the penile blood flow. Our measurements were performed before, during and after cycling in an upright and a reclining position in a crossover study.

Results: The mean transcutaneous pO₂ at the glans in a standing position before biking was 60.5±8.1 mm Hg. It decreased after sitting on the saddle in an upright position to 17.9±3.9 mm Hg. Continued cycling in a seated upright position showed pO₂ levels of 18.3±5.2 mm Hg, with a full return to normal pO₂ values after a 10-min recovery period in a standing position. Cycling in a reclining position resulted in pO₂ levels of 59.4±4.2 mm Hg, a similar level to that obtained before exercising.

Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrated that there is a defiency in penile perfusion caused by perineal arterial compression. Cycling in a reclining position - in which no perineal compression was seen - caused no alteration in penile blood flow during exercising. Therefore, we suggest cycling in a reclining position to avoid health hazards - such as penile numbness and hypoxygenation of the corpora cavernosa, which can result in impotency.

  Author Contacts

Dr. F. Sommer
Oberarzt der Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie der Universität zu Köln
Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9
D-50924 Köln (Germany)
Tel. +49 221-478-4687, Fax +49 221-478-6256, E-Mail Frank.Sommer@uni-koeln.de

  Article Information

Accepted after revision: September 21, 2000
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 18