Originally Posted by
hockeyteeth
I've been riding seriously for a little over two years, and I've always had trouble going numb on any rides longer than 20 miles. I shrugged off the problem and continued to ride until I developed a partial loss of sensitivity in the top-side of the shaft of my penis. Fortunately, it doesn't affect intercourse too much but it's really freaking me out and I need some advice.
Has anyone here lost feeling in their penis for an extended period of time (longer than a couple days, perhaps months or years even)? What did you do about it? Did your sensitivity fully return after a long break from the bike?
My former boss told me that he had a lot of issues with numbness when he was younger and had to take several years off the bike. Riding is one of my greatest pleasures in life and I'm dreading taking a hiatus.
*PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SADDLE SUGGESTIONS. I've tried more than I care to count, and it's not a saddle or fit issue - I go numb even sitting in a chair for too long.
You need to obviously change what you are doing. Yes you can go to a doctor and he will confirm you are compressing the flow of blood...but it is due to your set up. You need to change your bike fit and or seat and or shorts.
You have many options for changing your fit. Upright is better then bent over.
Nose down and saddle a bit lower is better. Handlebars up around the saddle is best. Shorter reach is better.
What is your saddle to handlebar drop?
Lastly, the best cyclists don't put as much weight on the saddle as average cyclists do. They have higher pedal forces which unweight them off the seat.
You want to get out of the saddle. I stand a lot when I ride. It is in part to restore blood flow and how I ride.
Don't live with this condition...change your set up as soon as possible to prevent long term consequences.