Prostate
Question:
I suffer from chronic prostate inflammation and my doctor has recommended that I give up cycling. I have been cycling for 40 years and don't want to give it up. What advice can you give me?
Answer from Dr Merkl:
Prostate problems and cycling are not mutually exclusive. It is not anatomically possible for the prostate gland to be affected by mechanical irritation on the bike. Even with an enlarged prostate, cycling is not harmful.
Testicular cancer
Question:
Due to a testicular tumour, one of my testicles was removed and I had radiotherapy. This year, I've returned to full training and I'm doing well. However, my doctor says I should take it easy with cycling. Does the sport pose a risk?
Answer from Dr Merkl:
Ever since Lance Armstrong, the rumour of testicular cancer caused by cycling has been circulating. There is no truth to such rumours. On the contrary: the most important measure to prevent cancer is to strengthen the immune system. Cycling can do a good job here. Moderate training can release substances that have a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of tumours and their secondary tumours. At the same time, sport has a positive effect on the psyche, which further inhibits cancer and prevents a recurrence.
Testicular varicose vein
Question:
A varicose vein has already caused my left testicle to shrink considerably, but an examination by a urologist has shown that my fertility is not yet impaired. During training rides, I occasionally feel a slight pulling sensation in my abdomen and a feeling of pressure. I would like to know how such a deformity is compatible with road cycling and whether I should have the varicose vein operated on.
Answer from Dr Merkl:
Your varicose vein is a "varicocele", a dilated network of veins in the scrotum. In 80 per cent of cases, the left scrotum is affected, as in your case. Varicoceles are caused by malfunctioning venous valves, which, similar to varicose veins in the legs, lead to blood congestion that expands the veins. The chronic pressure on the testicles often causes them to shrink, resulting in a reduced sperm count, which can lead to infertility. Cycling does not affect varicocele. You should have the varicocele treated by a urologist and, if necessary, have it sclerosed.
Sensitive sitting flesh
Question:
I'm currently suffering from sores in my buttocks and inflammatory pimples on my crotch. And this is despite the fact that I endeavour to maintain hygiene and rub the seat leather with a seat cream before every ride. What help can you recommend?
Answer from Dr Merkl:
In addition to pressure sores, skin changes and infections with pustules are the main reasons why cycling becomes a pain. The decisive factor is usually the posture on the bike. From an anatomical point of view, a large part of the weight rests on the so-called ischial tuberosities. These should determine the width of the saddle. If the saddle is too narrow, the sensitive structures of the pelvic floor are strained. If the saddle is too wide, it causes friction injuries and irritation of the hip muscles. Ideally, the ischial tuberosities should lie flat. You should also consider the following:
1. position the saddle horizontally
2. ensure thorough hygiene in the seating area
3. take cold showers and/or cold seat baths
4. clean the insert of the cycling shorts after every ride, possibly using sanitiser
5. remove hair from the seat area
6. carry out an allergy test on the trouser material used
Sensitive bladder
Question:
I am an enthusiastic racing cyclist. Unfortunately, I've been getting bladder infections again and again recently - despite wearing appropriate cycling clothing. That's why I have to take frequent breaks from training. What can I do about these problems?
Answer from Dr Merkl:
The inflammations probably occur because intestinal bacteria enter the urethra via the seat. As the female urethra is short, bacteria repeatedly enter the bladder and cause inflammation of the bladder and renal pelvis. The problem is exacerbated by racing saddles, which are often too narrow for women. In your case, some of the sensible countermeasures are the same as for other seat problems (see my answer to the question "Sensitive seat flesh"). In the long term, I can recommend treatment with the homeopathic remedy Uro-Vaxom, for example. This also improves the immune defence in the urinary tract.
