What Are the Side Effects of Cycling?

Daniel Kamensky

March 14, 2023

Cycling is a healthy and enjoyable form of exercise that helps fight obesity, reduce stress, and strengthen your heart muscles. It also lowers your resting pulse and blood fat levels. However, there are some side effects that come with cycling. If you’re concerned about these side effects, there are a few things you can do to alleviate them.

Increased risk of cancer

If you’re thinking of taking up cycling as a sport, then you’ll be pleased to know that it may help to reduce your risk of cancer. Several long-term studies have shown that those who cycle to work are less likely to develop heart disease and cancer than those who use other means of transportation.

This is because it reduces your risk of obesity and diabetes. It also increases muscle mass, improves cardiovascular fitness, and strengthens immune systems.

Some research suggests that cycling can increase prostate-specific antigen levels in your blood, which helps improve your immune response to cancer and is linked to early detection.

However, a 2014 study from the UK found that men who cycled eight hours a week or more had an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The connection is still inconclusive, but it’s essential for men to see their doctors regularly, regardless of their level of activity. This will allow them to monitor their health and catch any issues before they become more serious.

Increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Adults with diabetes who regularly cycle are more likely to live longer than those who do not, according to a new study. The findings are based on data from 7,459 adults who took part in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Participants were asked to complete detailed questionnaires upon enrollment and at 5-year intervals. They were also asked to answer questions about their cycling habits, both recreationally and for work purposes. The results were then analyzed. Researchers found that cycling decreased the risk of death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease among diabetics.

Erectile Dysfunction in Men

When a man is sexually aroused, blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and hormones work together to create an erection. Men who have erectile dysfunction (ED) have problems getting or keeping an erection that is firm enough for sex.

ED can occur at any age and is often an early warning of other health issues like high blood pressure or heart disease. Hardened arteries, for example, can reduce blood flow to the penis.

In addition, certain health conditions can affect how the nerves in your perineum function. This can cause you to experience numbness or tingling in the area and can interfere with your ability to get an erection.

If you have erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor. Sometimes, medication can help. However, if the problem doesn’t go away with that treatment, you might need more medical intervention.

Joint Pain

Among the most common side effects of cycling is joint pain, which can be mild or severe. People with mild joint pain often find home remedies to alleviate it, but medical treatment may be needed for more severe or persistent cases.

The joints in the body are important for moving and interacting with the rest of the body. They are made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

An inflamed joint is painful and can cause stiffness and a loss of range of motion. It is often accompanied by swelling and redness in the affected area.

Some conditions that can cause joint pain include arthritis, bursitis (a fluid-filled sac in a joint), and gout.

When a person with severe, unexplained joint pain goes to the doctor, they will start with a physical exam. The doctor will look at the joint to see if it is swollen and tender and ask questions about how the pain started and what activities are causing it.