Should sex be limited when exercising?

For women in particular, satisfying physiological needs is even more beneficial for exercise - Photo: TN

Sex is harmless

Several studies have shown that regular exercise can improve sexual desire and performance in both men and women.

A study featured in the Netflix documentary series "You Are What You Eat" found that after eight weeks of training, both vegetarian and omnivorous groups of women increased their sexual arousal while watching porn, with the vegetarian group increasing by more than 300%.

Additionally, a survey of 2,000 adults in the US found that about one-fifth do cardio to improve sexual stamina, and one-third focus on lower-body exercises like planks.

Exercise also helps increase testosterone levels in men and improve blood circulation in women, thereby enhancing libido and the ability to achieve orgasm.

But on the other hand, does satisfying physiological needs affect sports training and competition?

At least people can rest assured that having sex does not affect their sports training and competition.

A 2022 meta-analysis in the journal Scientific Reports looked at nine studies with 133 participants.

The study concluded that having sex within 30 minutes to 24 hours before exercise did not affect endurance, muscle strength, or aerobic performance. The results showed no significant differences between the abstinence group and the group that had sex beforehand.

Harmful effects of excessive abstinence

On the other hand, if you abstain from sex and suppress your physiological needs for a long time, it will have a negative impact on your training. This is a result that has been proven by many scientists , summarized as follows:

Sexual inhibition increases stress hormones

Stress caused by suppressing sexual desire in women can increase cortisol levels. According to Dr. Justin Lehmiller (USA), prolonged high cortisol levels can cause muscle wasting, reducing the ability to recover after exercise.

For men in particular, this will reduce testosterone, thereby affecting the ability to build muscle and strength.

Suppression of desire reduces motivation and mood

A study from the University of Maryland found that not releasing sexual desire for a long time can reduce dopamine and serotonin - neurotransmitters that increase motivation and arousal.

As a result, the practitioner may lack energy, lack inspiration, and even fall into mild depression, making the workout less effective.

Risk of endocrine or sleep disorders

Excessive abstinence can lead to sleep disorders and hormonal imbalances. Poor sleep quality is one of the leading causes of poor muscle recovery and poor athletic performance, according to research in the Journal of Sports Sciences.

Moderate sex supports physical health

In contrast to inhibition, moderate sex (not too close to training/competition) can benefit cardiovascular health, reduce stress and increase blood circulation.

“Sex is part of overall sexual health. If you exercise well but constantly suppress your desires, you are ignoring an important part of hormone balance," said Dr. Mike Joyner (USA).

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-nen-han-che-tinh-duc-khi-tap-luyen-the-thao-20250514104722055.htm