It should be noted that there were people from running and swimming organizations included in the survey as well. To be exact, 34 percent of the participants were non-cyclists, 53 percent were low-intensity cyclists, and 13 percent were high-intensity cyclists. High-intensity riders were defined as women who had cycled for more than two years overall and rode their bikes at least three times a week for more than 25 miles each time.
The questionnaire was surprisingly detailed asking what kind of bike the women used (mountain, road, hybrid, recumbent), which saddle type (wide, unpadded, long), frequency of wearing padded shorts, amount of time standing while cycling, saddle angle, handlebar height, and type of riding surface (urban, rural, off road).
Previous small studies, as we all know, suggested a possible relationship between cycling and sexual dysfunction, which lead to a wide-spread belief biking might cause some harm in that regard. The new study, however, shows that the more women ride the better their sex life gets.
“We found that lifetime miles ridden was associated with better sexual function, as measured by a common, validated questionnaire,” said first author Thomas W. Gaither, a UCSF medical student.
On the other hand, the findings also present direct correlation of ridden miles with saddle sores and urinary tract infections.
“These findings may be considered by some as minor, however, saddle sores and infections may inhibit sexual activity,” Gaither continued. “If we could find a way to prevent saddle sores and infections, we believe that cycling might improve the sexual health of women.”
Most of the saddle sores can be easily fixed with correct saddle selection and proper bike fit, the infections are, however, much harder to get rid of. Do you have a trick up your sleeve that helps you? Let us know in the comments!
