Manly problems down there....

Well ladies, I'm hoping someone can help me.

My BF is a killer cyclist. He uses a coach and likely rides more than 20 hours a week, both road and MTB. I don't remember about his MTB, but his road and cross bikes have Fizik Arione saddles. Oh, and since the MTB racing season starts in a few weeks things are only going to get more intense from here out.

We have started having some ED challenges...This is disturbing since he is under 30 and in ridiculously good shape. It seems like over time he is gradually losing sensation. We initially get a nice "reaction" and then it just goes away as he can't actually feel enough to keep things going. I am frustrated to say the least.

He is planning on seeing his doc this week but I was hoping for some advice from the ladies.

My husband had issues with numbness will riding the arione, I don't remember it carrying over off the bike but he is definitely happier since he switched. I would definitely consult the doctors.

One particular Brooks saddle (not the others) was problematic for us , with the problem appearing right after riding an all day century- DH changed that saddle to a Selle Anatomica (with a cut out) and problem slowly disappeared.
Your BF is experiencing nerve damage from excess/prolonged pressure. Don't ignore it, or it could become permanent damage.

I have heard good things about the Specialized Toupe/ Phenom twins. Not the ones with gel.

Selle SMP. Has the widest thinkable cutout.

I could not imagine anyone sitting comfortably on an Arione. But that's just me (even worse is the Aliante).

please get him fitted to a better saddle ASAP, once it's gone, it's gone!! (and he's SO young)

TE ladies are awesome!

I will discuss saddle options. It does seem to be worse on days when he spends more than 3 hours on the bike...hrm...

Its also good to know that we aren't alone....

I'll second what the other ladies said. My DH was having major numbness issues. He'd lose feeling completely and it would last a couple hours after. Changed his saddle and he's had no problems since (he's riding a Specialized Tri tip saddle now). I'm sorry he's going through this, but the sooner he finds a saddle that increases his blood flow, the better for him and the both of you together. Best of luck to you both!

fidl, it's true that the saddle could contribute, but while he's young, this is not a totally unheard of byproduct of his (albeit young) age.

You might consider a physical that includes a test of his testosterone levels. In addition, there could be psychological stress factors as well.

Pursue the saddle issues, but don't assume that it's the only reason.

Wow Mr. Silver. Much information.

Testosterone may be part of it. A few male relatives have had low testosterone issues before....This is going to be explored in a doctor's visit next week.

What do you mean by a product of his age? This is a new concept for me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alpinerabbit

I could not imagine anyone sitting comfortably on an Arione.

---

It took me all of 3 minutes to determine the Arione was not for me. I'm baffled that some female pro triathletes use it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fidlfreek

What do you mean by a product of his age? This is a new concept for me.

---

Ahem...sensitive issue for guys to discuss...:o But here's what I've heard:rolleyes::rolleyes:;)

Male sexual response peaks in the late teens and early 20's. Sometime around the 30's, a male's responsiveness can wane (like menopause, it comes at different times for different guys). This will manifest itself in the angle and duration of erection, loss of spontaneous erection, decreased ejaculate, etc.

However, psychological (stess) and physiological (hormone levels) factors can impact the time and extent of the changes. But, the seat is very likely a factor as well, but it's too easy a solution for a potentially complex set of circumstances where aging is often disregarded.

Dr. SR500, where are you???? Mr. SR500, would you go get your wife and get her to give the MD's perspective???:rolleyes::D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ilima

It took me all of 3 minutes to determine the Arione was not for me. I'm baffled that some female pro triathletes use it.

---

I use this saddle on my race and TT bike, and like it. DH uses it as well, and hasn't experienced any of the issues described here. My point is that what works for one won't work for another when it comes to saddles.

SheFly

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

Dr. SR500, where are you???? Mr. SR500, would you go get your wife and get her to give the MD's perspective???:rolleyes::D

---

Our family doctor is a cyclist as well. His first advice would be- "Change your saddle." :D

Once again, Mr. Silver you have very good information.

This is obviously not the easiest topic to talk about w/ my local cycling friends since they all know BF.... So its awesome to get good advice.

Interestingly, today rode on the rollers and told me he could actually feel a blood rush (like the beginning of an erection) the moment he came off the bike. *How you could not notice this phenomenon for months or years I don't know, but I digress* Anyways, goes a long way towards the saddle explanation....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fidlfreek

...This is obviously not the easiest topic to talk about w/ my local cycling friends since they all know BF.... So its awesome to get good advice...

---

Not an easy topic to discuss with one's partner either! Give bf a big hug from all of us here. Congrats for his courage in discussing this with you, and congrats to you on your choice of bf! Oh, and of course, good luck getting this solved. Big relief if it indeed proves to be a mere saddle issue, with a saddle change accomplished in time to solve it :cool:

Am happy to report that we now have a Selle Italia Max Flight on the road bike (so all 3 bikes now have cutout saddles) and there seems to be marked improvement after even just a few days. :)

YYYYeah Selle Italia :) As a bonus, he now has a white saddle/white handlebar tape on his road bike JUST like I have. Coincidence? I think not....

Thank you everyone for the help! And why why why do they even sell the other non-cutout kind?

My BF used to use the Flite w/ cutout. He liked it a lot, except when he had to spend more time in the drops (racing), when he would experience numbness. He's switched to the Specialized Toupe, and says things have yet to fall asleep.

So if problems resume later on, maybe suggest he look into a Toupe next.

I'm glad it seems to be the saddle. Strange though, I don't seem to recall you reporting any discomfort. It is possible for diabetes and blood pressure issues to cause this too. Just worth looking into. Also there are some great herbs that can help, too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alpinerabbit

Selle SMP. Has the widest thinkable cutout.

I could not imagine anyone sitting comfortably on an Arione. But that's just me (even worse is the Aliante).

---

My SO started having numbness with the arione as well & switched to an SMP glider, and we're both very happy :D