Acute and Delayed Effects of Sexual Activity on Athletic Performance: A Scoping Review Across Sex, Age, and Ethnicity

Abstract

Purpose: The effects of sexual activity on athletic performance have been debated for centuries, with traditional abstinence beliefs lacking scientific foundation. We sought to map existing literature examining acute and delayed effects of sexual activity on athletic performance, and identify knowledge gaps across mechanistic pathways.

Methods: Sexual activity encompassed intercourse, masturbation, or orgasm-culminating activities. Performance outcomes included strength, endurance, power, speed, reaction time, and sport-specific skills. This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches covered PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO (inception-July 2025). Population-Concept-Context framework guided study selection. Extracted data covered demographics, performance modalities, timing, and mechanisms. Narrative synthesis addressed heterogeneity.

Results: Available evidence indicates sexual activity ≥10 to 12 hours pretesting yields no observed performance impairment. Cardiovascular recovery effects occur with ≤2-hour intervals. One study (n = 16) documented maximal lower-limb strength reduction within 24 hours. Athletes report variable performance expectations (40% perceive immediate negative effects; 90% report no influence at ≥12 h). Studies exhibited small sample sizes (n = 2-16), 99% male representation, and methodological heterogeneity. Proposed acute mechanisms include hormonal fluctuations and minimal energy expenditure (1.8-2.8 metabolic equivalent of tasks). Hypothesized delayed pathways involve sleep quality and stress modulation.

Conclusion: Existing studies demonstrate no performance impairment when sexual activity occurs ≥10- to 12-hour precompetition. Sleep quality improvements require further investigation. Psychological expectations and cultural contexts appear influential based on athlete surveys. Critical gaps include female underrepresentation (99% male samples), age diversity (studies limited to 20-40 y), and ethnic homogeneity. Rigorous investigations with diverse populations remain necessary to establish evidence-based practice guidelines.

Keywords: coitus; exercise tolerance; neuroendocrine response; orgasm; recovery; sexual behavior; sports medicine.