Cycling and fertility: Experts clarify impact of extreme training

Medical experts indicate that regular cycling does not appear to affect fertility, though extreme training levels may pose risks to both men and women.

For men, the primary concern is increased testicular temperature caused by prolonged sitting on a saddle, which can influence sperm production. However, Professor Colin Duncan from the University of Edinburgh notes that for most men, standard cycling does not have relevant effects, as the body produces more sperm than necessary for reproduction. The impact may be more significant for those already at the lower limit of normal sperm counts.

For women, risks are associated with extreme physical activity typical of high-performance athletes. Intense physical exertion can reduce body fat percentages and disrupt ovarian function, potentially leading to the cessation of menstruation and a temporary decrease in fertility. Experts emphasize that the issue is not cycling itself, but rather the combination of excessive physical effort and the resulting physiological changes.