Question from Horst O.: I have been cycling for ten years. Nine months ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had a successful operation. Do I now have to restrict myself when cycling? What kind of saddle would be recommended? And can you say anything about prostate cancer caused by cycling in general?
Dr Robert Eifler: The prostate lies between the anus and testicles under the perineum. As the urethra runs through it, it can obstruct the flow of urine. This manifests itself in painful urination, a weaker urine stream and a frequent, sudden urge to urinate. There are three types of prostate disease: Inflammation (acute and chronic), benign enlargement and cancer. It is essential to have an annual check-up. Among other things, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is determined. However, if the value is too high, this does not yet indicate carcinoma. The value can also be elevated in the case of benign enlargement, inflammation - or after cycling training due to mechanical irritation of the prostate. You should therefore have elevated values checked again after a training break of several days.
The saddle should be as horizontal as possible and never point upwards. It is important that the sitting bones are correctly supported; gel pads or indentations and recesses in the centre of the saddle can be helpful. There is no known incidence of prostate cancer due to cycling. After prostate surgery, you can return to training on the bike after around eight weeks if you have had an abdominal suture, and after three to six months if you have had an episiotomy, provided the scar has healed completely.
