As the England squad prepares to face DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, questions have arisen about whether players should abstain from sex to enhance performance. Dr Ben Davis, a GP specialising in men's health and sexual medicine at Central Health London, and Dr Jeff Foster, an NHS GP and private men's health specialist, have weighed in on the topic.
The Myth of Testosterone Boost
The belief that abstaining from sex increases testosterone levels, providing an athletic advantage, does not hold up under scrutiny. Dr Davis explains that the core myth 'that abstinence “banks” testosterone doesn’t hold up well.' He notes that this idea largely stems from a small 2003 study, which found a 'modest' testosterone increase after seven days of no sex in a handful of men, but no meaningful change before that and no evidence of benefits beyond the seven-day mark. 'This is frequently over-interpreted online, particularly in “semen retention” and NoFap communities, into a much stronger claim than the data supports,' Dr Davis adds.
Discipline and Arousal State
While abstaining may not boost testosterone, it could affect focus and arousal. Dr Davis states, 'Cortisol, dopamine (arousal hormones) and noradrenaline (which mobilises the brain and body for action during fight or flight) are affected by the absence of sexual activity. Some athletes perform better when maintaining a higher arousal or drive state, so abstaining in the days before may help preserve that edge.' However, having sex just a few hours before a game could be counterproductive due to hormonal shifts post-ejaculation, including a rise in prolactin and a drop in dopamine, which can cause sleepiness and satiation.
What Truly Affects Performance
Both doctors agree that sleep, training load, nutrition, and stress management are far more critical than sexual activity. 'These dwarf anything sex-related,' Dr Davis points out. England manager Thomas Tuchel reversed his ban on players' partners visiting the team hotel, but this may be to ensure players get adequate rest. Dr Foster adds that sex itself is beneficial for health, reducing stress, improving mood, and encouraging relaxation. 'If performed more than 21 times per month, it can decrease prostate cancer risk,' he says. 'But what it won’t help you do is kick a ball or run faster.'
Conclusion
The notion that abstaining from sex improves sporting performance is largely an urban legend. For England players aiming for World Cup glory, focusing on sleep, nutrition, and training will likely yield better results than avoiding intimacy.
