Does ejaculating make you weak? Probably not. There are some scientific studies done on the topic (listed below), but not enough for an absolute conclusion. The studies that were done suggest that athletic performance and strength are not negatively impacted by masturbating and/or ejaculating. The night before or day of did not make a difference.
Masturbation has been associated with a variety of health benefits, contrary to the myths suggesting it saps one's strength. It's normal to have questions about sexual health like "Can you masturbate before sports?" and "How to cum more?" A significant study (1) brought to light that men who ejaculated at least 21 times a month were at a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to their less frequent counterparts. The act is known to decrease stress levels, which has an overarching positive effect on general well-being. The health benefits extend to strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which play a pivotal role in supporting organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Stronger pelvic muscles equate to better bladder control and enhanced sexual functions.
Current scientific evidence does not robustly support the notion that sexual activity the day before competition hampers performance (2). Some anecdotal reports even suggest possible performance benefits if sexual activity takes place at least 10 hours prior to competition and is not combined with detrimental lifestyle habits. Future research should explore this topic in greater detail, considering factors like gender, ethnicity, and the nature of the sport to achieve a more comprehensive understanding.
The body's hormonal balance, especially testosterone, is a major concern among those skeptical of masturbation. Studies indicate that while there might be a slight surge in testosterone levels post-masturbation, this increment is fleeting and levels normalize within hours. Therefore, the argument that regular masturbation disrupts hormonal balance lacks scientific backing. On the brighter side, regular engagement in this act has shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone that rises in response to stress and can be detrimental if sustained at elevated levels. Also, some evidence suggests that frequent masturbation could raise oxytocin levels, a hormone that fosters feelings of bonding and relaxation.
The perception that masturbation drains the body's energy reserves is popular but unfounded. While it's undeniable that masturbation, like any physical activity, can be tiring in the moment, many report an opposite aftermath: a feeling of rejuvenation. This assertion is supported by some studies that link masturbation to improved sleep quality, attributing it to the release of endorphins and other hormones that induce relaxation. This improved sleep can lead to heightened energy levels during waking hours, debunking the myth of energy depletion.
Masturbating too frequently may decrease semen volume for future ejaculations. If you have fertility in mind or are just trying to increase sperm volume in general you will need to keep that in mind and possibly limit masturbation.
To answer the question simply, no, masturbating before a workout will not harm your workout. The act of ejaculating alone is not enough to sap your energy.
While the link between muscle performance and masturbation hasn't been extensively studied, it's improbable that masturbation and ejaculating in isolation significantly impacts muscle function. That being said, balance is crucial. Excessive engagement, like any habit, can lead to fatigue, impacting the overall physical regimen and muscle performance. While occasional masturbation is unlikely to weaken muscles, striking a balance with other activities and not allowing it to be a dominant pastime is essential.
