Horseback riding: impact on sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in men and women

To determine whether subjects engaged in horseback riding are more likely to be affected by sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms than those engaged in sports with less perineal impact.

Surveys evaluating the presence of and the risk factors for sexual dysfunction and urinary symptoms were distributed among members of equestrian clubs, swimming clubs, and individual horseback riders and swimmers. About 327 surveys were distributed by hand at horse shows and swimming pools. A total of 2000 surveys were sent by direct mail to random members of 1 national equestrian organization and 1 national swimming organization. We also evaluated bicycle habits as a possible confounding factor.

There was no significant association between horseback riding and lower urinary tract symptoms (P = .1759) and sexual dysfunction (P = .1793) in males. The same applies to the association of horseback riding and lower urinary tract symptoms (P = .5036) and sexual dysfunction (P > .05) in females, although there was a trend toward a protective association between horseback riding and stress incontinence (P = .0567). Years of bicycling (P = .04) and hardness of the bicycle seat (P = .02) were associated with an increased prevalence for lower urinary tract symptoms in women.

Regular participation in horseback riding is not significantly associated with increased prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms or sexual dysfunction, although it may be associated with decreased prevalence of stress urinary incontinence. Bicycle riding may be associated with higher prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in women.