Rodericus

Hi i'm new here, i don't know if i'm posting this in the right place since i haven't found any thread or forum related to this topic. I'll be glad if you can move this to where it belongs. Anyway here's the thing:

I'm a male, 28 y.o. Two years ago, i was an avid bike rider as i have been for years but didn't really know the importance of choosing a proper bike seat. I had this new bike and rode every day to work since the day i bought the bike. A couple of months later i started to feel numbness in my groin and after doing some research online i found out i had a saddle too narrow for my sitting bones. Up to that moment it's the classic story of someone who didn't chose the right saddle.

But the problems grew worse. After visiting an urologist i was diagnosed with prostatitis, this due to an infection and had nothing to do with the riding, i am positively sure about this because i know exactly how i got the infection. The hour i spent daily commuting to and from my workplace did worsen the symptoms of the infection. In the end, i gave up riding as suggested by the doctor, until now that i have fully recovered from that horrible experience.

I want to return to commuting, now with a proper saddle but i'm afraid i may have damaged some nerves or arteries. Do you know which specialist should i go to? Has any of you had a problem like mine? And have you fully recovered from it?

Thanks!

fietsbob

Fifty Plus (50+) has much Medical discussions as we have been around a while.

Road Fan

Everything in that area of the body is the realm of the urologist, as far as I know.

Phil_gretz

Since the real problem was unrelated to the bike riding, I'd say that the OP should simply begin his saddle search in earnest again. Most saddles will be fine. Flat, firm, and wide enough...as well as adjusted properly for pitch angle. Pick any saddle and try it out...

avidone1

I agree. Let the urologist do his thing and if he thinks you need to see a different discipline he will tell you and make a referral.
Saddle searches can be quite frustrating because what works for me may not work for you.
But it is well worth it. When you find that mythical "perfect" saddle...you will enjoy riding again.

BlazingPedals

Or when you give up and get a recumbent.

RonH

I'm 71 and had prostate cancer. Had surgery to remove the prostate (and the cancer) in Dec 2015. Been back riding since Feb. FYI: my urologist said neither the saddle nor riding had anything to do with the cancer.
I've been riding on a saddle with a cutout since about 2004. Never had any problems like you're describing with a cutout saddle.
I'm currently riding on Selle Anatomica X series but most saddle manufacturers have models with the cutout. Give one a try and good luck.

BobbyG

Gel seat covers. They're not sexy or trendy, but try a gel seat cover (or two) and see if that helps. I started using them and have experienced none of the ill effects others have reported like chafing. I have two (2!) on my old road bike. Last year I gave the naked saddle on my new bike a 3-week trial before slipping on a $20 gel cover. This may work for you, or it may not.

NYMXer

I have been down this road and while we are all different and have different results from different things, installing a gel seat cover seemed logical but actually made things worse for me. After too many trial and error saddles, I found a semi hard but padded seat with the relief down the middle and a good bike fit made all the difference in the world. No more numbness and I can ride for over 3 hours and not have issues.

I share this info to give hope to the OP that there are solutions out there, but you have to try a few things and maybe even talk with a bike fitter to get maximum results.

fietsbob

People came in asking for and bought a 2 cushion Noseless saddle *, because an article in the NY Times told them to.

* only has 'sit bones' contact points..

NYMXer

I saw those seats and maybe it just me, but I use the nose of the saddle to grip with my legs when I need to give my hands a break, coasting and stretching on the bike. I sort of squeeze the nose with my inner thighs to help stabilize the bike over bumpy sections or roads, etc too. The nose also helps keep me centered on the bike and I personally would not think I could begin to ride a bike without a nose on the saddle, but I never tried it. So, yet another possible solution to a chronic problem for many.

OldTryGuy

Following my prostate cancer procedures last year I returned to bicycling 10 days after my first one for a 60 miler and 2 days after my second one for 11 miles. To accomplish this I reversed the saddle on my hybrid, comfort with springs, for my first return and then purchased the Easy Seat....Hobson Original Easyseat - Modern Bike for my second return and found it adequate for the rides I did until I was able to return to the standard seat. While the feeling was quite unusual, riding without my hands on the bars was not attempted but I can imagine that once accustomed to the characteristics regarding feel/handling of a nose-less saddle no hands would be without issue.

My desire to return to cycling ASAP was such that I rode 11 miles with a Foley cath. in place along with the retention bag strapped to my leg.

Flip Flop Rider

Moon Saddle is an option, you can look it up. It's a noseless saddle and yes it does take some getting used to as far as bike control. The bike is a little squirrely if that term makes sense.

after repeated use, it's no problem at all and you probably won't even think about it

No, no hands riding for me, bike is not stable enough for that

blakcloud

I tried the Spongy Wonder noseless saddle for my chronic prostatitis (19 months and still no relief in sight) and it didn't quite work for me. It might for others. You don't realize how much you use the nose of the saddle until you try one of these. If it had worked I would have dealt with its shortcomings. If it is the difference between riding and not riding, I would take anything that closely resembles a saddle.

Just to ride my bike I have taken to never sitting down on the saddle and let me tell you this is very difficult.

Yendor72

My bird goes numb very quickly and the only reason I am not on a 'bent is because I found the ISM Adamo saddles. I ride an Attack model which has been replaced by the PN 1.0. I suggest finding an LBS that you can get loaners from to try out until you find the right saddle for you. While the Adamo saddles are nose-less they still have enough there to grab on with your thighs without hitting you in the wrong parts.

Rodericus

Yeah, this time i'll be sure to get a second and third opinion about the problem. Thanks!

Rodericus

I have thought about riding recumbents, it's just that driving one in the city i live in would be plain suicide

Rodericus

This is such a nice community, thank you all for your replies. I quoted those comments that had a close resemblance to my issue. And even though i haven't gone through what you have i think i have a more concrete way to deal with this problem. In the next months i'll be on the hunt for that one saddle and i'll tell you how it went. Once again, thanks!


Haha, had a chuckle with "bird". BTW, those saddles seem nice and comfy, definitely on my list.

RonH

Most of us, including me, have tried dozens of saddles over the years. I started my search in 2004 with a Terry Liberator. Then a Terry Fly. Then on to a Selle Italia, and then a few Specialized models. I thought they were comfortable for a few years. My current saddle isn't the best but it will do for now.

chandltp

Depends on the recumbent. The one I ride I sit near eye level with motor vehicle drivers. No more dangerous than a regular bicycle.

Paul Barnard

Another nod to the ISM Adamo saddles. Much better blood flow with them than any other I have tried.