Paralysis of the penis

[Hawker]

I used to have this happen on my bicycle a lot, I changed the saddle to one with a cutout and a the problem disappeared.

Hmm, I wonder if this only happens on Italian motorcycles?

[Sasquatch Jim]

 Yer just gittin old.

[sib]

I don't mean to pick a bone here, but "paralysis" means a loss of muscle function, when the muscle doesn't respond to nerve impulses, or the impulses don't reach it.  The human penis has a tissue called corpus cavernosum, which becomes blood filled during erection, but it is not a muscle in the common sense, although it may be developmentally derived from muscle.   So, the term paralysis doesn't apply here.  The inability to become erect can have many causes, both physical and psychological.  In any case, the original poster here describes numbness, not paralysis.  Penile numbness is well known among cyclists, and apparently is a temporary condition.  More serious is injury caused by one's crotch hitting the top of the bicycle frame during a accident.  This can cause permanent dysfunction.  Don't let it happen to you!

[Muzz]

Certainly a well known problem for cyclists.  I have always used a saddle with a cut-out and have never had that problem.

Have never had the problem with the Breva seat. I have always had a sheepskin on it;  don't know if that makes a difference.

I would concur with the others;  get it checked out pronto.

[roofus]

should this be combined with the drooping centerstand thread?

[Triple Jim]

When bicycling, it can be avoided by getting off the saddle once in a while, like when climbing hills or accelerating, or just randomly.  When riding a motorcycle, I'd bet it can be avoided similarly, by partially standing for a few seconds periodically.  Going to a seat that puts less pressure in the center of the anatomy would probably be a better cure.

[Rough Edge racing]

 I just got back from a fast ride on my 70 Triumph,bike that vibrates. My ass was tingling but not my johnson..I suppose it depends on seating position ,if you're hunched over with your ass high in the air you might be dick sitting.

[redrider90]

Notice the schematic of the nerve bundle that feeds the dorsal nerve of the penis. If you are saying that ONLY your penis is lacking sensation then the compression of the nerve has to occur after the dorsal nerve  bifurcates from posterior scrotal nerves, the superficial perineal nerves and the
deep perineal nerves. But is anything else loosing sensation?  My money would be on the distal aspect of the pelvis might be  compressing the nerve just before it enters the penis. It might be due to how you are sitting + your anatomy and or your cloths contributing to the compression. How quickly does your sensation return? And does it return like the tingling prickly (no pun intended)  feeling we have when say our foot or leg falls asleep from laying a certain way? What would concern me is if you were on a long ride and not conscious of the lack of sensation. If this nerve root is compressed long enough it could reduce O2 and blood flow.
Unless there is a medical condition maybe you have to look at it as a mechanical problem.

[dilligaf]

Well that explains it all.  ???  :BEER:
Matt

[coastdude]

Thanks for all your advice, I'll start by wearing some different pants next time I go out. That diagram reinforces what I suspected about lots of nerve endings in that region. You'll be glad to know that the numbness vanishes pretty quickly once I get off the bike. Its been pretty disconcerting to go to adjust myself while riding and finding...nothing! The first time it happened I shook my pants leg carefully not knowing what might fall out.

[Waterbottle]

Good for you Dude  :D , None of us want things falling off. Let us know how you get on  ;-T

[Unkept]

Shouldn't Rocker merge this with the drooping center stand thread?

I kid... I kid... Hope you resolve the issue. It doesn't sound pleasant.

[youcanrunnaked]

PNE can occur as a result of motorcycle riding, although it is much more common (or at least, gets a lot more attention) as a result of bicycling.

AFAIK, Saddleman is the only seat manufacturer to address this problem.  They have a line of "Sport Style" "Channel" seats, with a recessed channel in the center to relieve pressure on your junk.  



Of course, they make nothing for any model Moto Guzzi.


Most of the aftermarket seat makers, like Corbin, Sargent, and Saddleman, state that they will make custom saddles for customers who are not satisfied with their off-the shelf products.  Maybe one of them could make something tailored to your needs?  

[rodekyll]

There is a horse saddle design, the "McClennan" that was developed about 150 years ago for the US Cavalry.  It had that same relief feature, but no padding.  When we were kids we thought the slot was a grab handle to climb up on the horse with.

[Penderic]

 :D

[drw916]

I have the same problem on my BMW R9T.  Only bike I have ever had an issue with.  I would try to fix it, but it feels so good when the blood starts circulating again.

[youcanrunnaked]

There is a horse saddle design, the "McClennan" that was developed about 150 years ago for the US Cavalry.  It had that same relief feature, but no padding.  When we were kids we thought the slot was a grab handle to climb up on the horse with.

I think you mean the "McClellan," RK.  Named for its advocate within the US Cavalry, Gen. George B. McClellan.

A lot of choices to relieve PNE among aftermarket bicycle seats.  Example:

[rodekyll]

Yes, I did -- and I spelt it so.  It's that damn auto-correct.  I shut it off.   :-[

[youcanrunnaked]

LOL.  Autocorrect cracks me up.  WTH is a "Mcclennan?"

[Rough Edge racing]

 McClellan saddle


                     

[bad Chad]

I have had it happen a couple of times last year. It's very strange to have something you know so well all of a sudden become totally numb. In my case it only lasted a few minutes. From what I have read it has something to do with The nerves in that area. Changing the saddle and or the clothing you wear may have a big impact.

[Edo]

Underwear and pants make a big difference. My "privates" get numb with certain combinations, but the main factor for me is the forward slopping seat. Butt slides forward, pants stay in place, things get snug (and numb). Again, the right pants can really help the situation. But, I'm going to get the seat modified. I have no problem with flat seats.

[Crusty]

Airhawk makes a cushion that might help the problem:

http://www.airhawk.net/airhawk-r.aspx

[Sasquatch Jim]

 The McClellan saddle also allows you to fart without having to rise up in the stirrups.
 Very few motorcycle saddles allow this.

[Penderic]

You would have no ah prroblem were you Scottish!

 ;)

[Tom]

Looks like my idiot brother!  ;D

[Hawker]

Thanks for all your advice, I'll start by wearing some different pants next time I go out. That diagram reinforces what I suspected about lots of nerve endings in that region. You'll be glad to know that the numbness vanishes pretty quickly once I get off the bike. Its been pretty disconcerting to go to adjust myself while riding and finding...nothing! The first time it happened I shook my pants leg carefully not knowing what might fall out.

First, print out this entire thread.  Then, go ride your motorcycle with nothing on from the waist down....boots OK.  See if that helps or gives you a clue.
IF you are pulled over just show him (or her) the print-out of this thread and he/she will realize you are involved in a scientific (if not humanitarian) experiment.  Trust me; I have a nephew who is a cop and he assures me you'll be fine as long as you can produce license and registration as well.   

[56Pan]

McClellan saddle


                     

Was that thing named after "George" McClellan?  Seems a little strange.  According to US civil war history, he_had_no balls.

[redrider90]

I don't mean to pick a bone here, but "paralysis" means a loss of muscle function, when the muscle doesn't respond to nerve impulses, or the impulses don't reach it.  The human penis has a tissue called corpus cavernosum, which becomes blood filled during erection, but it is not a muscle in the common sense, although it may be developmentally derived from muscle.   So, the term paralysis doesn't apply here.  The inability to become erect can have many causes, both physical and psychological.  In any case, the original poster here describes numbness, not paralysis.  Penile numbness is well known among cyclists, and apparently is a temporary condition.  More serious is injury caused by one's crotch hitting the top of the bicycle frame during a accident.  This can cause permanent dysfunction.  Don't let it happen to you!

Actually what he describes is paresthesia which is loss of sensation. Now when it comes to the penis if one looses there sensation the organ will also not work. How can you get up if you cannot feel it? Unless of course you vacuum it full of blood and then seal it off with a rubber band which is what some poor dudes have to do.  It is true that is is  not a muscle but it still requires blood flow and sensation to function.

[youcanrunnaked]

Airhawk makes a cushion that might help the problem:

http://www.airhawk.net/airhawk-r.aspx

Forgot about the AirHawk R.  Good suggestion!



FWIW, on my EV I use an AirHawk Medium Cruiser pad (without the scrotum cut-away /prostate channel / tailbone taper), and I like it.