Does sexual activity before exercise harm athletic performance?

February 10, 2026

New research published in the journal Physiology & Behavior provides evidence that sexual activity shortly before high-intensity exercise does not harm athletic performance. The study suggests that masturbation-induced orgasm 30 minutes prior to exertion may actually enhance exercise duration and reaction time. These findings challenge long-standing beliefs regarding the necessity of sexual abstinence before athletic competition.

The motivation for the new study stems from a persistent debate in the sports world. Coaches and athletes have frequently adhered to the idea that sexual activity drains energy and reduces aggression. This belief has led to common recommendations for abstinence in the days leading up to major events. Diego Fernández-Lázaro from the University of Valladolid led a research team to investigate whether these restrictions are scientifically justified. PsyPost