The relationship between mechanical bicycles and erectile dysfunction among bicycle taxi (boda boda) riders in Bungoma

Abstract

Background: Organic erectile dysfunction is common in elderly men but is not prevalent in men below 40 years of age. However, in addition to other known causes such as smoking, alcohol intake and diabetes mellitus, recent research has implicated bicycle riding as the cause of erectile dysfunction in much younger men. Even stationary bikes can cause trauma to the blood supply to the penis, resulting in erectile dysfunction.

Study design: Cross-sectional study, assessing erectile dysfunction among bodaboda taxi riders in Bungoma town.

Main objective: To evaluate the effects of mechanical bicycles on erectile function among bicycle taxi (bodaboda) riders in Bungoma town

Results: A total of 115 participants were enrolled in this study. The overall prevalence of erectile dysfunction among bicycle taxi riders was 35.9%. The type of bicycle used was significantly associated with severe erectile dysfunction (odds ratio 0.87, P˂0.05, CI – 0.27 -2.75). Those who used mechanical (non-motorized) bicycles had an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion: The use of mechanical bicycles was significantly associated with severe erectile dysfunction.