Sexual activity before competition has been considered detrimental for performance since ancient times. Abstinence from *** or masturbation weeks before an important sporting event is a common practice. And then the Bro-Scientists in the gyms have perpetuated their own horror theories such as masturbating will make you lose all your gains. If you want to get bigger and stronger, masturbate only once a month and so on. In fact, these statements have been so widespread that majority of people believe it to be true without critically analyzing them. Let's have a look at what science has to say on this subject.

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It is a commonly accepted idea that sexual activity depletes testosterone levels in the body. And since testosterone levels are directly related to aggression (generally, the higher the testosterone level the more aggressive the individual), this will result in poor performance. Hence, should be avoided! But in reality, just the opposite is true. Sexual activity increases testosterone levels and long period of abstinence significantly lowers T-levels. (Oct. 2000 Journal of Sports Medicine).

*** or masturbation is a physical activity. And doing a physical activity prior to a workout (another physical activity) does not seem to be a sound idea. But the energy expelled during a sexual activity is not more than 250 cals. Thus, your energy reserves won't be depleted.  However, improper sleep that 'might' be caused due to sexual activity can contribute to greater energy loss and a reduction in sports performance.

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In 1968 a group of scientists analysed the effect of sexual intercourse on muscular strength of male lifters. Muscle strength was tested using dynamometry: no influence of sexual intercourse on muscle strength was found.

(Johnson W. R. (1968). Muscular performance following coitus. J. *** Res.)

In 1995 investigators tested aerobic performance and the possible impact of sexual intercourse was evaluated using cyclo-ergometry. Results showed- sexual intercourse does not impact negatively when it takes place at least 10 hours earlier. A negative effect, however, occurs if there is an interval of less than 2 hours between sexual intercourse and the test.

(Boone T., Gilmore S. (1995). Effects of sexual intercourse on maximal aerobic power, oxygen pulse, and double product in male sedentary subjects. J. Sports Med. Phys. Fit. )

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A recent study in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness,

31 October 2018 tested if *** indeed hurts performance or not. Young married men had *** in the evening before a series of physical tests or had no *** 5 days prior to the test. The test measured grip strength, balance, reaction time, anaerobic power, and maximal oxygen uptake. The result: *** had no negative impact on the overall performance. 

Evaluating and quantifying the human psychology is a difficult task. The level of anxiety and stress associated with *** varies from person to person. *** does have a relaxing effect on psyche. This can be helpful for one athlete but might not be for another. Therefore, making a general statement with this regards is difficult and highly personalized. Overall sexual activity  does not seem to compromise physical performance given sleep, nutrition, hydration levels are kept in check. 

Yash Sharma is a former national level Football player, now a Strength Coach, Nutritionist and Natural Bodybuilder.  He also runs a YouTube Channel Yash Sharma Fitness via which he aims to educate all the fitness enthusiasts to maximize their gains by methods that are backed by science and applicable easily.  Connect with him on YouTube, YashSharmaFitness@gmail.com, Facebook and Instagram.