Can Cycling Really Damage Your Fertility?

You Should Know: It’s common for cyclists to wonder if all those hours in the saddle could affect their chances of having kids. Given how uncomfortable those saddles are, it’s not an unreasonable question to ask. There’s some science to back it up, too. A 2011 study of about 2,200 men at fertility clinics linked riding five-plus hours a week to lower sperm counts and less-active sperm. But does that mean cyclists are risking their fertility by riding?

Going Deeper: Fertility doctors generally aren’t too concerned about cycling, apparently. Men typically produce far more sperm than conception requires, so recreational riding is unlikely to meaningfully affect fertility. Intense, prolonged cycling may lower sperm count a little, particularly in men who already have low sperm count, though the evidence remains limited. For women, only elite-level training combined with inadequate energy intake raises a flag, since very low body fat can disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation.

Takeaway: Recreational riders can keep on pedaling, worry-free. But hardcore riders who are trying to conceive may want to discuss their concerns with a doctor. They can opt for a cut-out saddle and stand up on the pedals periodically to ease pressure (though these adjustments haven’t been proven to improve fertility, either). 

Bottom Line: Cycling isn’t considered a fertility threat for most people.