Cycling and Female Sexual and Urinary Function: Results From a Large, Multinational, Cross-Sectional Study. Issue 4 (13th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaither, Thomas W.; Awad, Mohannad A.; Murphy, Gregory P.; Metzler, Ian; Sanford, Thomas; Eisenberg, Michael L.; Sutcliffe, Siobhan; Osterberg, E. Charles; Breyer, Benjamin N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sexual medicine. Volume 15:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 510
• Page End: 518
• Publication Date: 2018-03-13
• Subjects: Bicycle -- Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms -- Saddle Sores -- Sexual Dysfunction -- Urinary Tract Infection; Sexual disorders -- Periodicals; Sex -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.69005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.02.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-6095

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Bicycle riding has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation and exercise, especially among women, and previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between cycling and sexual dysfunction, albeit using non-validated questionnaires. Aim: We aimed to explore the relationship between cycling and sexual and urinary dysfunction. Methods: Cyclists were recruited to complete a survey through Facebook advertisements and outreach to sporting clubs across 5 English-speaking countries. Swimmers and runners were recruited as a comparison group. Outcomes: Participants were queried using validated questionnaires, including the Female Sexual Function Index, the American Urological Association Symptom Index, and non-validated questions about history of urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital numbness, and genital saddle sores (all self-reported). Results: 3, 118 (53.3%) Women completed the survey, comprising 1, 053 (34%) non-cyclists, 1, 656 (53%) low-intensity cyclists, and 409 (13%) high-intensity cyclists. After adjusting for age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, tobacco use, race, marital status, urinary symptoms, and sexual activity, high-intensity cyclists had lower odds of self-reported sexual dysfunction compared to non-cyclists (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.7, P = .02). There were no statistically significant differences in urinary symptoms across groups. Compared to non-cyclists, both low- and high-intensity cyclists had higher odds of reporting a previous UTI (aOR 1.4, P < .001, and aOR 1.4, P = .009, respectively), genital numbness (odds ratio [OR] 6.5, P < .001, and OR 9.1, P < .001, respectively), and saddle sores (OR 6.3, P < .001, and OR 22.7, P < .001, respectively). Clinical Translation: Women cyclists were more likely to report other genitourinary conditions, including UTIs, genital numbness, and saddle sores. Conclusions: This is the largest study comparing cyclists to other athletes with respect to sexual and urinary function. The study is limited by its cross-sectional design and sampling methods. We found that women cyclists were no more likely to report sexual dysfunction or urinary symptoms than swimmers or runners.