Testicular Varicocele—Why is Biking Bad?

Post updated July 10, 2018.

Get the Facts: Is Biking Bad for Varicocele?

Get Focused: Yes, biking is bad for varicocele. But, it doesn't have to be. If you set yourself up well, you can make biking perfectly fine for varicocele. It does take some work to set up, but it is possible! Stay and Read More!

​​Here is what you need to know: 

Biking Causes Micro Trauma

The biking seat is positioned right where the testicular veins leave the scrotum. Biking in this position rubs and bumps into this area, and causes micro-trauma. This micro-trauma damages the testicular veins, vein valves, and supportive tissue, and may also damage the testicles. Micro-trauma is associated with varicocele and varicocele severity.

What you can do:

• Avoid biking on bumpy train
• Avoid long-distance biking
• Bike standing as a "break"
• Invest in a seat with better support (see More Products for recommended bike seats)
• Proper scrotal support underwear makes a big difference (but make sure it is also designed for maximum cooling)

Testicular Hyperthermia Means Testicular Damage

Now, you might have been tempted to buy a nice cushion seat to prevent micro-trauma, but thick cushion seats trap heat and impair ventilation! Trapped heat damages the testicles and increases varicocele swelling.

Think about it: Testicular heat damage is very real. Your testicles have enzymes and organelles that only function at lower temperatures. Even elevating the temperature of the testicles by 1-2 degree (average daily) can almost completely halt sperm and testosterone production, and may even lead to testicular shrinkage. 

What you can do:

• Invest in a thinner bike seat that is also soft
• Wear shorts that are loose and breathable
• Some sports shorts also allow for maximum ventilation
• Standing up to release trapped heat helps
• If possible, avoid biking during hot days
• Make sure you wear proper cooling & supportive underwear

Pressure (Major Cause of Varicocele)

Biking is a unique form of exercise because it isolates and places large amounts of pressure in the lower torso. When exerting and pushing down on the peddle, you create high abdominal abdominal pressure. Chronically, this pressure increases varicocele swelling.

What you can do:

• Speed/racing bikes with the seat on a higher level are better (torso is maintained more horizontal)
  
• Mountain bikes on which you in a more seated position (upright) are typically not as good
• Do not bike after eating (can exacerbate Nutcracker effect)
• Do not bike after sex/masturbation (increases blood flow to testicles)
• Bike with good neutral-spine posture
• Investing in proper scrotal support underwear can lift-up and counter the downward pressure

Pelvic Floor Tightness & Inflammation

To make matters worse, biking can also tighten up and can cause inflammation of the pelvic floor muscles & tissue. Pelvic floor imbalances have been known for some time to be associated with varicocele and can cause some very debilitating disease in some men. 

What you can do:

• Avoid long-distance biking -- Especially if you know that you have some pelvic floor imbalance
• Stand for breaks when biking
• Standing while biking on rough train is critical
• A cooling shower after activity helps make a big difference
• Again, a softer cushion chair is critical
• Perform stretches that target your pelvic floor post-workout (e.g. happy baby pose, adductor & deep hip felxor stretches, etc.)
• Perform pelvic floor strengthening exercises (e.g. kegels, deep squats, etc.)

Biking & Muscular Imbalances

Biking in most cases is technically an innately imbalanced activity. It is quadriceps dominant, tightens the hip flexors and hamstrings, can cause inactivity of the glutes, and in some weakens the posterior chain and cause neck postural imbalances if not done correctly.  

What you can do:

• Biking should be treated as an advanced activity and should be done with the aid of proper guidance and education
• Strong and neutral spinal alignment is critical, including neck alignment
• Regular stretching post-activity is crutial
• Must work on developing posture with exercises outside of biking
• Technique, technique, technique--cannot be emphasized enough, but proper biking technique makes a big difference

Varicocele: Get Focused on What You Can Do!

Yes, biking is bad for varicocele, but you now have some great ideas and tools to make it better.

​Biking must be considered as a high-risk activity for varicocele; you must take precautions.

Great Varicocele Healing Resources:

Start Now: 100 Free Varicocele Natural Treatment Tips Course -- Yes, It's Free! Start Now

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​Great Resources:

• Blog: Exercising with Varicocele
• Blog: Living with Varicocele
• Blog: Varicocele Natural Treatment