Abstinence offers no proven competitive advantage.
Madrid | July 2026
Scientific evidence increasingly challenges the belief that athletes should avoid sexual activity before competing. Recent studies indicate that consensual sex generally does not reduce strength, endurance, aerobic capacity or reaction time when it occurs several hours before physical activity.
Some research has even identified small improvements in endurance and grip strength, although the differences are insufficient to establish sex as a performance-enhancing strategy. The overall evidence remains limited because many studies include small samples and focus mainly on male athletes.
Timing and surrounding habits appear more important than sexual activity itself. Competing shortly afterward could affect recovery or concentration, while lost sleep, alcohol consumption, emotional stress and disrupted routines are more likely to harm performance.
Specialists therefore emphasize individualized preparation rather than mandatory abstinence. Nutrition, hydration, rest, training load and psychological stability remain the factors with the greatest influence on competitive results.
La abstinencia no gana competencias; la preparación integral sí. / Abstinence does not win competitions; complete preparation does.