Sex Before Athletic Competition: Impact on Performance
Sexual activity before athletic competition does not appear to negatively impact physical performance, with current scientific evidence showing no significant effect on aerobic capacity, strength, power, or other performance metrics.
Evidence Summary
The relationship between sexual activity and athletic performance has been debated for centuries, with many coaches and athletes traditionally advocating for abstinence before competition. However, recent scientific evidence contradicts these traditional beliefs:
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis found that sexual activity within 30 minutes to 24 hours before exercise does not affect aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal endurance, strength, or power 1.
A 2019 study specifically examining young adult males found no effect of sexual activity the night before on six different physical performance tests, including grip strength, balance, reaction time, anaerobic power, and maximal oxygen uptake 2.
A 2016 systematic review concluded that most studies generally exclude a direct impact of sexual activity on athletic aerobic and strength performance, though noted that activity less than 2 hours before competition might potentially have negative effects 3.
An earlier 1995 study found that sexual intercourse 12 hours prior to maximal treadmill exercise had no effect on aerobic power, oxygen pulse, or cardiac work indices 4.
Physiological Considerations
From a physiological perspective, the energy expenditure during sexual activity is relatively modest:
- Sexual activity is often equated with an exercise workload of 2-3 METs (metabolic equivalents) in the pre-orgasmic stage and 3-4 METs during the orgasmic stage 5.
- This is equivalent to walking on a treadmill at 3-4 miles per hour or climbing 2 flights of stairs at a brisk pace 5.
- For context, most competitive sports require significantly higher energy expenditure.
Timing Considerations
While the evidence generally shows no negative impact, timing may be a consideration:
- Sexual activity less than 2 hours before competition might potentially have negative effects according to some research 3.
- Most studies showing no impact examined sexual activity occurring the night before or at least several hours before competition.
Gender Considerations
It's worth noting that most research has been conducted primarily on male athletes:
- The 2022 meta-analysis included 99% male subjects 1.
- There is limited research specifically examining the effects of sexual activity on female athletic performance.
- Recommendations for female athletes regarding nutrition and recovery focus more on carbohydrate and protein intake rather than sexual activity 5.
Potential Confounding Factors
When considering the impact of sexual activity on performance, be aware of these potential confounding factors:
- Sleep disruption: If sexual activity significantly disrupts sleep, this could indirectly affect performance.
- Associated behaviors: Alcohol consumption or late nights associated with sexual activity could negatively impact performance.
- Psychological factors: Individual beliefs about the effects of sexual activity may create placebo or nocebo effects.
Practical Recommendations
Based on the available evidence:
- Athletes need not abstain from sexual activity the night before competition for physiological reasons.
- Avoid sexual activity within 2 hours of competition as a precautionary measure.
- Maintain normal sleep patterns and avoid associated behaviors that could negatively impact performance (alcohol, late nights).
- Focus on established performance-enhancing strategies such as proper nutrition, hydration, and rest.
The long-standing myth that sexual abstinence improves athletic performance appears to be just that—a myth not supported by scientific evidence.