Don't sit on your penis

John Tierney is dumbfounded that more bicyclists aren't using seats that don't harm their soft vulnerable reproductive organs:

Why, if you had an easy alternative, would you take any risk with that part of the anatomy? Even if you didn’t feel any symptoms, even if you didn’t believe the researchers’ warnings, even if you thought it was perfectly healthy to feel numb during a ride — why not switch just for comfort’s sake? Why go on crushing your crotch?

Megan McArdle chimes in and points to the way other people's risky behavior makes engaging in that behavior seem okay:

We take cues about what is safe from other people; we're willing to take even substantial risks as long as other people are.

If you don't want to spring for a noseless saddle as Tierney advises, you can try some of these tips:

Sitting back on the buttocks as much as possible while riding, takes the pressure off the frontal area... Check to see that the legs are not fully extended to the bottom of the pedal stroke... The knees should be slightly bent to support more of your weight.Stand up every 10 minutes or so to encourage blood flow.

I think my biggest problem with the idea of a noseless saddle is that I spend a lot of time riding with no hands on the handlebar and I need the nose to control the bike with my legs. On the other hand, I love getting erections and want to continue to do so.