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Study links motorcycles and erectile dysfunction
November 24th, 2008
Many scary
consequences are thrown out at bikers; family and friends
complain motorcycles are dangerous, doctors give riders the
nicknames of organ-donors and now a group of scientists are
linking the pastime to erectile dysfunction.
Based on a
survey of 150 men, Japanese scientists claim the vibration
of a motorcycle engine damages nerves in bikers penises,
exposing them to risk of impotence and urinary problems.
Doctors in
Japan, who published studies on the dangers in the
International Journal Of Impotence Research, said seats on
most motorcycles put undue pressure on the perineum, the
area between the anus and the scrotum, and restricted blood
flow to the penis.
Almost 46 percent of the 150 men in the study who rode their
bikes for about three hours every weekend reportedly had
problems gaining an erection or emptying their bladders.
Doctors conducted the survey also concluded that vibrations
also caused a decrease in two growth hormones in the bladder
and prostate related to bladder relaxation.
Doctors noted that participants in the study had been
sexually active in the past six months and none had any
illnesses.
In the most
current study, published in October 2008, 37 (25%) had
erectile dysfunction, and 31 (21%) had moderate or severe symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms.
A previous
study conducted in 2006 included 230 riders of which 70%
suffered erectile dysfunction or experienced problems
emptying their bladders. Then approximately 76 per cent of riders aged 40 to 49, and 93
per cent of those aged 50 to 59, reported severe erectile
dysfunction, compared with 37 per cent and 42 per cent
respectively among those who did not ride motorcycles.
The study
didn't detail which motorcycles, engine size or the age of
the bikes ridden by the participants. As many know,
vibration has been reduced in later model motorcycles
through mechanical balancing of engines and rubber mounts.
Most
importantly, doctors have pointed out impotence affects most
males during their lives and can be caused by emotional
issues, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, high
blood pressure, smoking or alcohol. Certainly the last two
play a large part in the world of motorcycles. |
