Mountain Biking Can Lead To Scrotum Problems

8 April 2000
Mountain Biking Can Lead To Scrotum Problems

Bumpy mountain bike rides can lead to benign scrotal tumors, infections, swelling and pain in men, according to research presented at the 85th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Long-distance biking has been cited before as leading to numbness and decreased sperm counts due to pressure on the groin area caused by the seat. Now it appears the vibration and jarring motion of mountain biking causes "microtraumas" in the scrotum.

"Bike seats with holes in them or shaped like a 'Y' to alleviate the pressure may help somewhat, as might wearing a jock strap or other support," said Ferdinand Frauscher, M.D., head of the department of uroradiology at University Hospital Innsbruck, Austria. "But we think full-suspension bikes with shock systems, or those with shock absorbers in the seat are probably more beneficial in this case, because the bike, rather than the body, absorbs the shock."

In the study, ultrasound examinations of the scrotum were performed on 45 serious mountain bikers, ranging in age from 17 to 44 years. Results were compared with scrotal ultrasound examinations of 31 non-bikers, ages 15 to 37 years. In the mountain biking group, 43 of 45 (96 percent) were found to have unusual findings in the scrotum, compared to 5 of 31 (16 percent) among non-mountain bikers.

Findings in the biking group included often-painful benign tumors, which were found in 38 men (84 percent). Spermatoceles, or sperm-containing cysts, which can lead to infection, were diagnosed in 22 men (49 percent). Calcifications of the epididymis, which stores sperm, and which can lead to infection and swelling, were seen in 20 men (44 percent). Hydroceles, or fluid-filled cysts, were found in 17 men (38 percent). Twisted veins, which can also become painful, were found in 4 men (9 percent). All 5 problems in the non-bikers were spermatoceles, which are increasingly common as men age.

Only half of the men found to have problems complained of symptoms, most often pain. In some cases, no treatment is required. In the case of inflammation, antibiotic therapy should take care of the problem. In other cases, needle biopsy or surgery is required to rule out cancer or to alleviate pain.

"We didn't test for sperm counts, but some of these changes may lead to fertility problems," Dr. Frauscher said. "Male impotence also may result, potentially brought on by damage to the nerves and blood vessels."

To avoid the problems, proper fit of the bicycle is critical, said Dr. Frauscher. Seat height, angle and tilt are also key, and padding in the saddle and shorts also may help. But it's probably more important to reduce training intensity; take a number of rests while riding, and make sure the bike has good shock absorbers, or an adequate seat suspension system, he said.

While the population studied consisted of serious mountain bikers, those who mountain bike more casually may also experience some of the problems, said Dr. Frauscher.