Does riding a bicycle kill your prostate?

Does riding a bicycle kill your prostate? I am just starting to ride, but I started reading about lance armstrong and I don't want to lose a testi due to a problem compounded by a bicycle seat.

Dear dogs_with_bees,
What are the most common risk factors for prostate cancer?

Does bicycle riding increase my risk for prostate cancer?
Bicycle riding does not cause prostate cancer. To clarify a common point of confusion, Lance Armstrong had testicular cancer (which also is not related to bicycle riding or prostate cancer).

Your risk of getting prostate cancer increases as you get older, have African ancestry, or have a family history of prostate cancer in a close relative. There may also be an increased risk of prostate cancer associated with eating a diet high in animal fat and low in fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish, and being exposed to cadmium or radiation.

Does a previous history of undescended (but repaired) testicles increase the risk for prostate cancer?
There are no associated risks with undescended testicles with regard to the development of prostate cancer.

Does a previous history of vasectomy increase the risk for prostate cancer?
There are 2 studies that have shown a relationship between vasectomy and the development of prostate cancer, but there are have been dozens more that have shown no correlation. Most physicians feel there is no relationship.

How does my family history for prostate cancer affect my risk for developing prostate cancer?
If a first degree relative (I.e. father, brother) has prostate cancer, particularly at an age less than 60 years old, there is an increased risk for prostate cancer in the individual. These individuals should have a PSA test and digital rectal exam on a yearly basis starting at age 40.

How does the amount of fat in my diet affect my risk for prostate cancer?
There is a belief that a high fat diet typical of Western societies is associated with a higher rate of prostate cancer. The association of prostate cancer and fat consumption is based on observations and some animal experiments, though a true cause and effect relationship has not been established. Much work needs to be done in this area. What is important in any diet is to have moderation in what one eats.

Does taking calcium carbonate increase the risk for prostate cancer?
Administration of calcium carbonate does not present an increased risk for prostate cancer. There were some reports about milk intake and prostate cancer, but this may relate more to the fat content of milk rather than calcium.

Do high levels of testosterone increase my risk for prostate cancer?
There is no evidence to suggest that high blood levels of testosterone can cause prostate cancer.

How does sexual activity affect my risk for prostate cancer?
There is some evidence that individuals who have had multiple sexual partners in their teens may be at a higher risk of prostate cancer as they age, but this increase is small. Generally, though, there does not appear to be any relationship between sexual activity and prostate health, or the growth or spread of prostate cancer.

Sue...good luck

I went cycling round scotland last year...have been doing the same thing for the last few years in early summer. This year I had a new saddle...which was very expensive but proved to be less than comfortable after about 50 miles. But we were out in the wilds. So I had no choice but to stick with it for the whole week.

I ended up with a urinry tract infection which grumbled on for a while...and I eventually became very ill and was admitted to hospital seriouisly ill on itra venous antibiotics. My prostate became very swollen and is still giving me problems 1 year later. But Im still going cycling this summer...Must be mad!! But I have gone back to my old saddle.

Sitting on a bike concentrates about 65 - 80% of your body weight onto the small area that is in contact with the bicycle saddle.

That could be detrimental in some ways, maybe damaging the prostate.

SMP4Bike saddles were specifically designed and researched with this and other men's health effects in mind. There is a nice insight into the science at http://www.smpsaddle.co.uk

Overall I think the health benefits of cycling far outweigh the potential damage, but take care to fit yourself to the bike properly.