Impact of sexual activity prior to a sports competition in amateur athletes

Abstract

The scientific community remains unsure about the possible effects of sex on physical performance and the impact by gender or practice goal. Because of this, some athletes prefer to abstain from sexual intercourse before a competition because of the belief that it could harm their performance. We aimed to explore the believes and experiences of athletes after engaging in sexual activities prior a sports competition. 869 amateur athletes (358 females and 511 males) with two sport practice goals (472 competitive and 397 recreational) completed the survey. The survey was divided into two sections: demographic variables and experiences and perceptions about sexual activity before sports competition. In the first question about their perception of the influence of sexual intercourses on sports performance, 50.6% of athletes considered that sexual activity before competition did not negatively influence physical performance. Furthermore, no significant gender and sport practice goal differences were found. A total 616 (70.9%) reported having had sex prior to a sports competition and significant gender-differences were found in frequency of sexual activity prior to a sports competition (p=.0001, ES=.02) and in their perceptions regarding the impact of sexual activity on their performance. Significant gender-differences were found between athlete’s perceived sensations before competition (p=.001; ES=.04). Athletes who described using substances (5.4%) or ergogenic aids (20.3%) prior to competition, perceived these did not impact their performance. Our findings demonstrate that the effect of sexual activity on athletic performance continues to be a concern. Half of amateur athletes believe that their sports performance could be impacted by engaging in sexual activities prior to competition. Coaches should consider the psychological a spect that can affect sports performance.