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A new study recently broke, finding a jarring link between cycling and Female Sexual Dysfunction-Yikes! But, before you hang up your spandex and toss out your Peloton, let’s dive a little deeper into the causes, risks, and potential solutions of Female Sexual Dysfunction.

First and foremost: What is Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)?

FSD refers to any consistent problem at any stage in the sexual response cycle, which includes desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution. There are many different causes and contributors of FSD, and it can look different in every person. Some common signs of Female Sexual Dysfunction might be:

  • Lack of desire to have sex
  • Having the desire mentally, but not being able to become aroused physically
  • Difficulty reaching orgasm
  • Pain during sex

Sound familiar? That’s because an estimated 30-40 percent of women experience FSD at some point in their lives.

So, what does this mean for cycling, spin class, beach cruisers, and Peloton-enthusiasts?

The study shows that bicycle seat pressure on the perineum may be causing vaginal pain and numbness in female cyclists, leading to poor arousal and lack of clitoral sensation. Of the women surveyed, more than half had Female Sexual Dysfunction. The study also concluded that the frequency and duration of cycling were not a factor in FSD. However, frequency of numbness (and 58% reported vaginal numbness) WAS linked with a decrease in arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction/pleasure during sex. Additionally, of the 69% of women who reported vaginal area pain when cycling, there was a “significant” decrease in arousal, orgasm, and lubrication. The takeaway: If you are experiencing genital numbness or pain when hopping on a bike, you could be at increased risk for Female Sexual Dysfunction!

At the Kimble Center for Intimate Cosmetic Surgery, we see many patients experiencing Female Sexual Dysfunction for a myriad of reasons, including cycling. Gratefully, there is much that can be done to reverse Female Sexual Dysfunction, be it from bicycling or any other common culprit of FSD (think: medications, hormones, mental health, stress, and certain medical conditions).

For cyclists specifically, prevention would be the first course of action. Smart recommendations to reduce vaginal pain and numbness while biking include installing a wider bicycle seat, using seat-post shock absorbers, standing while cycling. To address already present symptoms of FSD, we recommend a complete clinical evaluation at our center, where we can build a personalized treatment plan for you using a combination of energy treatments and therapies designed to suit your specific needs and goals.

One of our many great treatment options for cyclists experiencing FSD is the MonaLisa Touch. At the Kimble Center, we’ve seen dramatic improvement in vaginal lubrication, pH, and sexual satisfaction through our expert use of this entirely non-invasive treatment solution. The best part? Each treatment session only takes five-minutes to complete, so you can be (SAFELY) back on your bike in no time at all! Another great solution is our Core to Floor treatments with EmSculpt and EmSella.

Interested in learning more? Contact the Kimble Center for Intimate Cosmetic Surgery today at (626) 535-0832 to schedule your appointment.