Prostatitis and cycling have a relationship, because this sport has both positive and negative effects, which depend on many factors. The most important thing is the choice of the correct anatomical saddle, because with prostatitis it will depend on it whether harm will be done or whether the trip will be beneficial. Before cycling, you should consult a urologist, because there are nuances that depend on the current stage of the disease.
What effect does it have on the prostate gland?
Cycling affects the prostate gland in both positive and negative ways.
First of all, cycling with prostatitis is only possible if drug treatment is successful. This is due to increased blood flow. With bacterial prostatitis, if the immune system and antibiotics cannot cope with the infection, when stimulating blood circulation, bacteria are able to penetrate into adjacent tissues and organs, aggravating the course of the disease. With abacterial prostatitis or prostate adenoma, increased blood circulation can aggravate congestive processes. If therapy for prostate diseases is successful, increased blood flow becomes a positive factor.
Secondly, cycling helps against prostatitis only if you have a saddle that takes into account the anatomy of the male perineum. Otherwise, when skating there is a large load on the prostate area. This provokes stagnant processes and contributes to the formation of microtraumas. If you are overweight, these factors are further aggravated. A bicycle is good for the prostate if the trips occur regularly and are limited in time, because the longer the ride, the more stress the perineum is exposed to.
Cycling and prostatitis prevention are also possible if there are suitable riding circumstances. The most important are the nature of the coating and weather conditions.
Uneven roads, the presence of holes in the road or hills contribute to sharp shocks in the perineum, which causes injuries that are manifested by the appearance of inflammation. A bicycle has a positive effect on the prostate if the walks are carried out in parks with smooth paths or on special trails. Extreme riding, professional racing or riding in mountainous areas have a sharply negative effect.
Weather conditions and the right choice of clothing also play a significant role. Even a light breeze on a sunny day causes a rapid decrease in body temperature (which rises slightly as the cyclist undergoes physical activity). Temperature changes, and even more so hypothermia, are one of the factors that provoke the appearance of prostatitis and prostate adenoma.
Another factor in which cycling is harmful to the prostate is too frequent riding, because even under good conditions for it, microtraumas still occur. If the body is weakened or regenerative processes slow down, they will lead to inflammation.
Riding a bicycle with prostatitis and prostate adenoma is possible only under the following conditions:
- The diseases are in remission.
- There is a saddle of the correct anatomical design.
- The approval of the treating urologist has been obtained, and an adequate duration of the ride has been prescribed (an examination by several doctors may be prescribed).
- There is a flat track.
- Weather conditions and equipment allow you to avoid sudden changes in body temperature.
An exercise bike for prostatitis can also have both benefits and harm.
Positive effects include weight loss, prevention of physical inactivity (sedentary lifestyle), improvement of lung and cardiovascular system function.
However, most often such devices are equipped with a universal saddle, which has an extremely negative impact on men's health. This can often be noticed in cheap models, and it is not always possible to replace it and install a suitable one.
Cycling with prostate cancer is strictly prohibited and is replaced with an exercise that is also suitable for diseases of prostatitis and adenoma. It is performed as follows:
- You need to lie on your back on a mat or pad.
- Raise your legs up.
- Perform movements that simulate pedaling.
It helps improve blood circulation in the pelvic area and is often prescribed in the complex treatment of prostate diseases.
Contraindications
Direct contraindications for cycling for prostate diseases:
- the presence of cardiovascular diseases (causes vasospasm and blood stagnation);
- in chronic forms of pathologies;
- unhealed injuries in the perineal area.
If after skating you experience pain in the perineum, problems with urination or problems with erection, you need to undergo an examination as soon as possible, this may be the first evidence of the onset of diseases.
How to reduce the risk
To increase cycling safety, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- Choose an anatomical bicycle saddle for men (contains a recess or cutout in the crotch area, does not put pressure).
- Make trips no longer than 2-3 hours. Take breaks every half hour for 5 minutes.
- Choose routes with good coverage.
- Travel in warm, windless weather.
- Choose clothes carefully (that wick away sweat and retain heat).
- Maintain a moderate pace during the ride.
