What is the Best Underwear for Biking?
Cylcing Increases Scrotal Disease Risk
The science shows that 48% of on-road cyclists and 94% of mountain bikers have some form of scrotal disease!
[Science Source - doi.org/10.1097/jsm.0b013e31815c042f]
[Science Source - doi.org/10.1097/jsm.0b013e31815c042f]
When it comes to testicular health, cycling is a high risk behavior. Riding a bike can have a strong negative impact on your reproductive health. Biking contributes to the development and severity of scrotal diseases like infertility, low testosterone, varicocele, hydrocele, spermatocele, etc.
🚴♂️🩲 Scrotal diseases associated with cycling (increased risk of)
- Testicular aching and pain
- Varicocele
- Hydrocele
- Epididymitis
- Orchitis
- Chafing and dermatitis
- Low sperm count
Biking Causes Testicular Microtruama
🔍 Key Fact: Testicular microtrauma is caused by suble small damage caused by repetitive contact of the scrotum/testicles with the bike saddle.
- 🪃 Microtrauma and Tissue Damage: The repetitive pressure, friction, and hitting on the scrotal and testicular area can cause microtrauma to the delicate tissues. These small truamas add up and result in scrotal/testicular injury.
- 💢 Inflammation: The body's natural response to tissue damage is inflammation. Inflammation in the scrotal and testicular area can cause swelling, redness, and discomfort. Chronic inflammation can lead to further tissue damage and disruption of normal physiological processes.
⚠️ Managing Testicular Microtruama
- Biking duration - Longer biking durations are worse
- Bike saddle - Harder saddles are worse, ergonomic saddles are better
- Biking train - Onroad is better than mountain biking, smoother surfaces are better than bumpy terrain
- Biking posture - Take hits from bumps and dips into your ankle, knee and hip joints not your balls
- Tire pressure - Ideal tire pressure is not too high and not too low
- Road bikes
- Under 70 kg (154 lbs): 80-100 psi (5.5-7 bar)
- 70-90 kg (154-198 lbs): 100-120 psi (7-8.5 bar)
- Over 90 kg (198 lbs): 110-130 psi (7.5-9 bar)
- Mountain bikes
- Under 70 kg (154 lbs): 25-35 psi (1.7-2.4 bar)
- 70-90 kg (154-198 lbs): 30-40 psi (2.1-2.8 bar)
- Over 90 kg (198 lbs): 35-45 psi (2.4-3.1 bar)
- Road bikes
- 🩲 Underwear - The best underwear will minimize friction and provide scrotal support
Cycling and Testicular Hyperthermia
🔍 Key Fact: Did you know? Elevated scrotal temperatures from prolonged biking have been linked to reduced sperm quality.
- 🌡️ Testicular Hyperthermia: Prolonged biking increases risk of testicular hyperthermia. because of friction between the thighs, exercise-induced heat, poor scrotum can feel the heat during extended bike rides.
- 🚫 Spermatogenesis Disruption: The testicles require a slightly lower temperature than the body's core to facilitate proper sperm production (spermatogenesis). Elevated temperatures from long-duration biking can disrupt this process. High temperatures can affect the maturation of sperm cells, leading to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced sperm motility. This can impair fertility and increase the likelihood of infertility.
- 🧬 DNA Damage: High temperatures in the testicles can induce oxidative stress and increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can damage cellular components, including DNA. Sperm cells are particularly vulnerable to DNA damage due to their high proliferation rate and limited repair mechanisms. DNA damage in sperm can result in genetic mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, and reduced embryo viability if fertilization occurs. This can contribute to increased rates of miscarriages and birth defects.
⚠️ Managing Testicular Hyperthermia
- Friction between the thighs: Minimize friction by wearing well-fitted, supportive underwear and shorts made of smooth fabric
- Breathable pants: Opt for materials that promote airflow to keep the area cool
- Ideally shorts, not pants: Shorts allow better ventilation and reduce heat buildup
- 🩲 Underwear: Choose supportive underwear to reduce heat and friction
- Bike seat: Opt for more breathable mesh-based saddles
- Outdoor temperature: Avoid biking in excessively hot weather to prevent overheating
- Biking in shade vs. sunlight: Ride in shaded areas whenever possible to keep cool
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating
- Frequent breaks: Take regular breaks during long rides to cool down and reduce heat buildup
- Avoid prolonged sitting: Stand up periodically while riding to allow air circulation and reduce heat buildup
Other Important Factors
🔍 Key Fact: Proper stretching, posture, and cooling techniques are vital to prevent pathophysiological issues from biking. These tips help maintain circulation, flexibility, and alignment while reducing inflammation and friction.
⚠️ Important things to concider
- 🩲 Stud Briefs underwear: Wear Stud Briefs to cool, support, and minimize friction during biking activities
- Hip flexor stretches: Perform hip flexor stretches regularly to prevent impingement in the hip area and improve blood and lymph circulation
- Hamstrings stretches: Stretch your hamstrings to maintain mobility and flexibility, reducing the risk of muscle tightness and injury
- Thoracic posture & extension: Focus on maintaining proper thoracic posture and performing extension exercises to prevent back pain and improve overall spinal alignment
- Forward head posture: Correct forward head posture by practicing chin tucks and neck and upper back exercises to reduce strain and maintain proper alignment while riding
- Inversions: E.g., legs up the wall: Perform inversion exercises, such as legs up the wall, to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the lower extremities
- Testicular cooling treatment: Take a cold shower over the testicles for 30-60 seconds post-activity to reduce heat and inflammation, aiding in quicker recovery
Stud Briefs Underwear
🔍 Key Fact: Proper supportive underwear is crucial for preventing testicular microtrauma and overheating from biking. Stud Briefs are designed to cool, support, and minimize friction, enhancing overall testicular health.
⚠️ How Stud Briefs works
- 🚴♂️🩲 Ultra-breathable crotch mesh: Keeps your balls ventilated, promoting airflow and preventing overheating
- Forward crotch design: Pushes the crotch forward and away from your hot body, reducing heat buildup
- Separate pouches: Pouches separate your scrotum and penis to maximize cooling and prevent friction
- Enhanced support: Provides snug support to reduce movement, minimizing the risk of microtrauma to the delicate tissues of the testicles