Bicycle Handlebars may Adversely Affect Female Sexual Health

A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine has warned that bicycle handlebars may adversely affect the sexual health of female cyclists as it changes the genital sensation.

The study was conducted by researchers at Yale University School of Medicine who observed 48 female cyclists who cycled for at least 16 kms per week and who were not pregnant or menopausal.

The researchers looked into whether positioning of handlebars affected saddle pressure and genital sensation which were both measured at the start of the study.

The researchers found that there was an increased pressure on the genital region and lower sensation when the handlebar was placed lower than the seat. "Modifying bicycle setup may help prevent genital nerve damage in female cyclists. Chronic insult to the genital nerves from increased saddle pressures could potentially result in sexual dysfunction", lead researcher Dr Marsha Guess said.

Source: Medindia