The effect of a new geometric bicycle saddle on the genital-perineal vascular perfusion of female cyclists

• Published in: Science & sports 2020-06, Vol.35 (3), p.161-167
• Main Authors: Piazza, N., Cerri, G., Breda, G., Paggiaro, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletes; Bicycling; Compression périnéale; Dysfonctionnement sexuel féminin; Dysfonctionnement urogénital; Female Sexual Dysfunction; Nerf pudendal; Pelvic floor; Perineal compression; Plancher pelvien; Pudendal nerve; Sexual disorders; Sports injuries; Urogenital disorders; Women
• ISSN: 0765-1597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2019.07.010

Female cyclists undergo a perineal compression of the pudendal nerve and genital-perineal area, with underexplored effects on genital injuries and sexual dysfunctions. This study tests the effects of a new geometric bicycle saddle (SMP) on perineal compression, blood perfusion, genital sensation and sexual function. Thirty-three professional female athletes were monitored when using both the new saddle and a traditional professional saddle, in a randomized order. Short-term effects are estimated by measuring the partial pressure of vagina transcutaneous oxygen (PtcO2) before using the saddle, after 10minutes of static sitting, after riding 20minutes. Long-term effects are estimated by measuring athletes Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) before using the new saddle and after 6 months using it. From an initial average of 70mmHg, PtcO2 decreases by 30mmHg after riding on a traditional saddle, 10mmHg on the new saddle (respectively 20 and 7 after just sitting). When using the traditional saddle all FSDS scores are well over the 12 “normality” threshold, with an average of 41, while after using the new saddle the average falls to 12. All differences between the saddles are strongly significant: paired t-tests>6; P