Urologist Recommended Bicycle Seats: Choosing and Features

Understanding Urologist Recommended Bicycle Seats

Riding a bicycle regularly provides many health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and mental well-being. However, traditional bicycle seats put pressure on the perineum, which can cause issues like numbness, tingling, and discomfort in the genitals and urinary tract.

To help cyclists ride comfortably without adverse effects, urologists often recommend specific types of anatomically designed bicycle seats. These seats feature a split or cutout design that reduces pressure on the perineum.

Why Urologists Recommend Specific Bicycle Seats

Urologists are doctors who specialize in conditions involving the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. They recommend particular bicycle seats to help prevent or alleviate:

• Numbness and tingling in the genitals
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Discomfort and pain in the perineum or genitals
• Urinary tract infections
• Chronic irritation and inflammation
• Narrowing of blood vessels and nerves

These issues often arise from the pressure and rubbing of a standard bicycle seat against the perineum. This can reduce blood flow and damage nerves and tissue over time.

Features of Urologist Recommended Bicycle Seats

The key feature of bicycle seats recommended by urologists is a cutout or split down the middle. This creates two separate padding sections with open space in between to take pressure off the perineum.

Within this broader category, different styles include:

• Partial cutout seats - A cutout towards the rear of the seat, under the ischial tuberosities (sit bones)
• Full cutout seats - The cutout extends from the rear to the nose of the saddle
• Noseless seats - No nose or minimal front padding

Other helpful characteristics include:

• Padding - Extra cushioning reduces pressure on delicate tissue
• Size - Wide enough to support both sit bones evenly
• Angle - Tipped slightly upward takes weight off the perineum
• Material - Gel, foam, and fluid-filled covers increase comfort

Examples of Urologist Recommended Bicycle Seats

Many major cycling brands offer anatomically designed seats based on urological guidelines. Some top options include:

• Selle SMP - Various models featuring full and partial cutouts
• ISM Adamo - Signature cutout and forward positioning
• Terry Butterfly - Designed specifically for women
• Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow - Extra gel padding
• Brooks Cambium C17 - Carved wood shape and vulcanized rubber

Choosing the Best Urologist Recommended Bicycle Seat

With many anatomically shaped bicycle seats on the market, it can be difficult to select the right one. Here are some tips for finding a model that will minimize discomfort and urinary tract issues:

Determine Problem Areas and Riding Style

Think about any current problems you experience on your regular seat, as well as your typical riding position. This will help narrow the options.

• Weight balance - Do you shift your weight backwards or sit upright?
• Handlebar height - Low handlebars put more pressure on the perineum
• Pedaling habits - Spinning quickly or pushing hard can impact comfort
• Genital numbness - Indicates a full cutout would help

Consider Personal Anatomy

Everyone has unique anatomy that plays a role in bicycle seat fit and function. Assess your own characteristics:

• Sit bone width - Measure across your ischial tuberosities to match seat width
• Genital sensitivity - Women often need more cushioning
• Injuries/conditions - Previous issues may require special seats

Try Different Seat Shapes and Saddles

It generally takes some experimentation to discover the most comfortable bicycle seat for your body:

• Test different styles at bike shops to get a feel for shapes before buying
• Purchase from retailers with generous return policies
• Consider making small adjustments to seat position for fine tuning
• Give it time to get used to a new style of perineal support

Look for Designs With Scientific Backing

Seeking out seats that have been biomechanically tested or medically approved ensures the design stands up to scrutiny:

• Research which models urologists consistently recommend
• Study any clinical evaluations on relief of numbness, erectile dysfunction, etc.
• For women, ensure testing included female anatomy

Following these guidelines will lead you to the most appropriate urologist recommended bicycle seat for a healthy, comfortable riding experience.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.