Sexual activity before exercise influences physiological response and sports performance in high-level trained men
Diego Fernández-Lázaro1, Manuel Garrosa2, Gema Santamaría3
1Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Histology Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus de Soria, 42004 Soria, Spain.
Background:
The influence of sexual activity prior to exercise on athletic performance remains controversial. While pre-competition abstinence is commonly advised, scientific evidence on its physiological impact is limited and inconsistent.
Methods:
A randomized crossover study was conducted in 21 well-trained male athletes (age 22 ± 1 y) to compare the acute effects of masturbation-induced orgasm versus sexual abstinence performed 30 min before testing. Each participant completed an incremental cycling test and an isometric handgrip strength test under both conditions. Blood samples were analyzed for muscle damage (CK, LDH, Mb), inflammatory (CRP, IL-6), and hormonal (testosterone, cortisol, LH) markers.
Results:
Compared with abstinence, the post-masturbation condition resulted in a longer exercise duration (+3.2%, p< 0.01) and higher heart rate (p< 0.001), accompanied by a small increase in mean handgrip strength (p< 0.05). Lower plasma LDH levels (p< 0.001) indicated reduced muscle stress. Testosterone and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher (both p< 0.001), whereas inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) showed no significant change.
Conclusions:
Masturbation 30 min before exercise elicited mild sympathetic and hormonal activation without detrimental effects on performance or muscle damage. These findings suggest that pre-exercise sexual activity does not impair athletic capacity in trained men, challenging the long-standing myth of mandatory abstinence before competition.
More Related Videos
07:40Impact of High-intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on the Cardiac Troponin T Level at an Early Stage of Training
Published on: October 10, 2019
04:28Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization
Published on: May 18, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:29Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance