I'm 55 and have an enlarged prostate (supposedly normal for my age). During a very recent check-up the doctor recommended I give up cycling because she maintained it could result in prostatitis. Is this for real? I have researched the topic and found arguments both pro and con regarding the alleged connection between cycling and prostate trouble. I switched to a Selle SMP TRK (cut-out) saddle a few months back to help avoid circulatory/prostate trouble. I'd appreciate any feedback/comments/advice regarding this topic.

Cobblers (That is if I am allowed to write that word.)

Enlarged prostate happens to some of us older men. If you can't feel any problem when cycling- then cycling is not affecting it. Even if you do feel a bit of butt pain when cycling then this can be remedied by adjusting the saddle or changing it. I would feel more concerned as you haven't mentioned a PSA test although I should hope you have had this.

9 years ago I had Prostate Cancer. Apparantly the prostate had hardened and was enlarged. I never felt any pain on the saddle till after surgery. Talking to my surgeon- he said that there was NO medical evidence to support prostate problems being caused by cycling. And I was the only regular cyclist that he knew off amongst his many patients. IF cycling had any effect on the prostate- then he would have expected to see a lot more fit cyclists in his surgery.

Now if you are experiencing pain while cycling- that is a different matter. Try the saddle adjustment and the the new saddle but if it persists- then there are drugs to decrease the size of the prostate.

I love British swearing... it's vulgar and cute at the same time.

Bloody bugger... LOL

I'm older than you and thus feel I can give you some advise: Get another doctor!

Too many docs have bigoted stereotypes about what a person should and should not be able to do at older ages. Many I've met are patronizing fools. Others are just plain incompetent. One would think they had been to medical school for the young and that relegated older people to being an income source in their dying years.

But, thankfully, there are MDs and DOs and PAs out there who will look at you as an individual and give you good advise on how to care for your body. They are out there and worth their weight in gold. Find one to give you good advise. Most of the time you will find their advise worth taking.

At the same time, not seeing your medical status no one in their right mind is going to give you definitive advise over the internet. Any such advise should be regarded as having the same value as what it cost.

Have fun with your cycling and spending your life wisely.

+1 Find a doctor who is interested in sports medicine and actually cares about their patients' lives.

I see a new doctor in your future.
Ride slow.

I'm 53 and get the annual physical with my PCP. Yep, it includes the prostate check (Urk!) and PSA test. So far, so good. My PCP says there is nothing wrong with cycling at my age and well beyond, and he points out that in many Europe, men and women cycle well into their 60's and 70's.

I should point out that my PCP is also a cyclist who commutes to his office and rides every year in the Pan Mass challenge. (Lucky me!)

The advice above is good. Consult with another doctor. There are still a lot of 'em out there who
have the "at your age" attitude.

When I was treated a few years ago for a bout of bacterial induced prostatitis I inquired if there was anything I could do to avoid a repeat episode. "Ejaculate more" was the doctor's reply.

I'm still working on that.

ciocc_cat, From everything I've read there seems to be a middle ground. That an ill fitting saddle can aggrevate an existing condition looks to be the primary concern for the doctors experianced with cyclists, along with where one sits on the saddle..the nose is a no-no.

I would look for a second doctor's opinion, preferably one familiar with sports and cycling in particular. There are so many body benefits for the cyclist that to stop seems nonsense to me for something that can be worked around.

Brad

I agree with sentiments here....don't take your doctors word for it-especially if it is just your general physician.

I have had two Uros and my primary care physician take a keen interest in my prostate (one of the Uros removed in on June 1st because of cancer). All three knew I cycled a lot, but never said anything about cycling causing Prostatitis.

The only thing they would agree on concerning cycling and the prostate is that a PSA reading can be elevated because of bike riding (along with other activities). So it was recommended not to ride my bike (or have sex) for 3-4 days before a PSA test.

Dan

Got to say it but it may go against the grain.

Seems the consensus is that if you don't like a Doctors opinion- then you keep trying doctors till you find one that tells you what you want to hear.

What you have to do is listen to the medical experts- but if you think the experts are wrong- Research things a bit longer. If Ciocc has a problem when riding a bike- then there could be a problem that Cycling aggravates. So the doctor should be listened to but at the same time the preventative measure should be found and further tests should be done.

But if it is just that the doctor has found the enlarged prostate without any cycling problems- then of course a second opinion should be sought.

Prostate problems come with the aging process. Some of those problems can turn serious so warnings cannot be ignored.

"Seems the consensus is that if you don't like a Doctors opinion- then you keep trying doctors till you find one that tells you what you want to hear." --stapfam,

In the US it isn't uncommon for a second medical opinion, often it's encouraged by the primary care doctor. ciocc_cat should follow the advice of his doctor at least until a second opinion is obtained and the two doctors conference.

Brad

Maybe a bit of clarity is in order here. To start let us define your provider's role. The person is an advisor and, in many cases, a techician who performs repair and maintenance on your body. But, as long as you are mentally competent you, and no one else unless you so designate, make the final decisions on all matters concerning your body. Bet your boots your doc knows that. That is why you have to sign many of the forms you do.

Your role is to listen to your doc. If you don't understand what the doc says ask again. If you still don't understand ask for some references so you can research without wasting anybodys time. If you need to see another doc. Understand that almost every drug or procedure has benefits and risks. It is up to you to make the final decision on how that balance affects you and how you live your life.

Yep, that means you can't just walk in the door and tell the doc: "Fix me". But, the ultimate outcome for both of you will be much better.

As for second opinions: It does pay to ask around. Your doc's office is a business like any other business and is primarily judged by its' profitability. That influences how the doctors practice. So, yes, shop around until you are satisfied that you are getting the best answer before making any drastic changes in your life.

Age 77. Bicycled 300,000+ miles so far.
Prostate cancer 5 years ago. Had radioactive seed implants.
Was riding 3 weeks later. Still pedaling 100+ miles a week. Still use a hard non-cut-out saddle.
Your experience may be different . . .

Probably going to catch all kind of grief here, but the best answer is a recumbent. Anyone that claims "proper fit" is the answer to pressure and pain is deluding themselves and buying into the "racer boy" nonsense. The huge DF manufactures want your money. Setting on a tiny high pressure seat really cant be good.

BTW Yes get a different doctor. AT 72 my main exercise is cycling and lifting hand weights. I actually hand a physicians assistant tell me that maintaining "bulk" at my age wasnt good. Personally I believe in the use it or lose it or ride or rust lifestyle.

Just a general observation:
There is no easy way to tell if your doctor was an A+ or a C- student.

Thanks for all the feed-back. To clarify, I don't have any saddle pain even during my 30 to 35 minute windtrainer workouts when I'm seated the entire time. I had chronic problems with "male-part numbness" with both my old broken-in Brooks Pro and my Selle Italia Super Turbo which no amount of saddle adjustment fixed, but switching to the Selle SMP TRK cured that. And yes, I do intend to see another doctor since the one at the walk-in clinic misdiagnosed the fact that I was trying to pass a kidney stone the size of a fat raisin rather than having a severe prostatitis flare-up. I do have an enlarged prostate, but her negative reaction to cycling (which helped me lose 55 pounds) really concerned me.

Jim goes to the doctor for a check-up.
Doctor says - "Jim, I'm afraid you're going to have to stop masturbating."
Jim: "Why?"
Doctor: "Because I'm TRYING to give you an exam!"