Sex before a big game lowers a player’s performance, is a popular belief which dates to ancient Greece and Rome. Many athletes and coaches abide by this belief and strictly ban players from indulging in any form of sexual activity. Recently, German coach Joachim Low has implemented a sex ban on his players for the duration of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. On the other hand, Portugal footballer’s wife and sex therapist Vera Ribeiro urges the players to masturbate before the big game to improve their performance. The little research that has been conducted, shows no evidence that sex before game has negative impact on player’s performance, that is, at least done 10 hours before the game.

It turns out that abstinence may not absolutely be necessary. Studies conducted on the topic concluded that doubts remain regarding the possible negative impact of sexual activity the night before competition. In fact, a 2016 review also noted, anecdotal experiences suggest the opposite may be true – that sexual activity can have a positive effect on athletic performance. Another research paper said that sexual activity before a competition does not alter physiological testing results – variables like balance, lateral movement, aerobic power and reaction time.

Although if sex had to affect the performance it would be only because of lack of sleep. A study conducted by the University Clinic of Cologne reported that athletes showed decreased performance up to two hours after sexual intercourse. The most likely cause of this is lower testosterone levels in men after sex and resulting reduction in aggressiveness.

Olympic athletes have talked about practicing abstinence the night before or even days or weeks before their events. It is said that Muhammad Ali went six weeks without sex before a major fight. On the other hand, MMA fighter Ronda Rousey told in 2012 that she tries to have ‘as much sex as possible’ before a fight since it has been linked to higher testosterone levels in women.

It all depends on the athlete’s state of mind. If an athlete strongly believes that avoiding sex before a competition is important then he should totally skip it. But if an athlete is on the fence about whether to abstain or not, science says it’s okay to have some fun in bed. Just don’t stay up all night!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2018 05:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).