Opinions on how masturbation affects exercise vary, but research does not suggest that masturbation affects performance during exercise.
Masturbation is a healthy and safe sexual activity that has links to various health benefits, like pain relief and stress reduction.
This article explores the possible benefits and side effects associated with masturbating before a workout in more detail.
The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
Some people believe that masturbation can influence levels of testosterone, which plays a crucial role in promoting overall physical fitness. They also think that masturbation and other sexual activities can lead to improvements in mood and lower stress, which can indirectly improve physical performance.
However, other people think that masturbation adversely influences physical performance due to excess energy expenditure.
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis found that engaging in sexual activity, which includes masturbation, within 30 minutes to 24 hours before exercise does not appear to affect aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal endurance, or strength.
Additionally, a 2016 review looking at sexual activity and competitive sports concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that masturbation has a direct adverse effect on overall physical fitness or sports performance in males or females.
The review authors also noted that anecdotal evidence indicates that having sexual intercourse about 10 hours before taking part in a sports competition may have a positive effect on performance.
The debate about whether masturbation is beneficial before exercise seems to focus on how masturbation influences testosterone.
Testosterone is the
With that said, the question remains whether masturbation significantly affects testosterone levels.
What do the studies say?
Testosterone levels naturally increase during sexual arousal and decrease after orgasm, but it appears that masturbation does not significantly impact a person’s level of testosterone.
The findings of a
In another early study from 2003, researchers observed that testosterone levels fluctuated minimally during the first 5 days of sexual abstinence, peaked at 7 days, and then remained constant. The findings of this study suggest that short periods of abstinence may result in temporary fluctuations in testosterone levels.
Although masturbation has little to no effect on testosterone levels, it may still benefit a person’s workout performance.
However, there is not enough scientific research to support a direct link between masturbation and better physical performance.
Current scientific research does suggest, however, that sexual activity may enhance people’s overall health.
A 2020 study on adults who had experienced a heart attack suggests that those who engaged in sexual activity more than once a week had better long-term survival rates.
Hormones, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin, increase
Masturbation is a safe sexual activity that has few, if any, long-term side effects.
Masturbating too frequently can lead to temporary side effects, including:
- overly sensitive or tender skin near the genitals
- swelling or edema of the penis
- decreased sensitivity
- fatigue
It appears that masturbation induces similar effects in both males and females. Engaging in sexual activity increases testosterone levels, reduces stress, and relieves pain.
Male and female bodies respond differently to testosterone. Males naturally have higher levels of testosterone than females, which leads to the development of some typical male characteristics, such as body and facial hair.
These characteristics do not usually occur in females producing typical levels of the hormone. Testosterone also plays an essential role in sperm production and egg development.
Currently, scientific research has not revealed a direct relationship between masturbation and exercise performance in males or females.
Research indicates that masturbation has little to no direct effect on people’s workout performance. Although testosterone levels fluctuate immediately after orgasm, the change is temporary and unlikely to affect a person’s physical fitness.
Masturbation may stimulate the release of endorphins and other feel-good hormones. These hormonal changes can help reduce stress and improve mood.
People should structure their routines accordingly. If masturbating makes someone extremely tired, they may want to avoid it before a workout. Masturbating has few, if any, side effects.