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For centuries, men have been told that ejaculating will drain their strength, zap their energy, and ruin their performance—both in the gym and in the bedroom. But is there any truth to this, or is it just another age-old myth that refuses to die?
Spoiler alert: science has entered the chat, and things are about to get interesting. Let’s break it down, Popstar-style - Does Ejaculating Make You Weaker?
The Ancient Fear of Spilling the Seed
Before we get into the facts, let’s take a quick trip through history to see why so many people believe that ejaculation = weakness.
Ancient Greece and Rome: Athletes were sometimes advised to abstain before competitions, thinking it would help them conserve energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Semen was believed to be a vital life force, and losing it meant depleting your “jing” (energy).
Indian Ayurveda & Brahmacharya: Some yogic traditions promoted celibacy as a way to achieve mental and physical mastery.
Victorian-Era Panic: Masturbation was demonized as a cause of weakness, madness, and even blindness (yikes).
Now, fast-forward to modern science, and we’ve got a whole different story.
Does Masturbation Make You Weak?
Short answer—nope. Despite what centuries of myths (and some internet forums) might claim, masturbation does not make you physically weaker. In fact, regular ejaculation comes with some real health benefits, like a lower risk of prostate cancer, better stress management, and improved sleep quality.
But what about athletic performance, energy levels, and testosterone? Let’s break it all down.
Ejaculation and Muscle Strength: Does It Actually Matter?
Worried that blowing your load before leg day is going to tank your gains? Don’t be. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found no significant difference in muscle strength between those who had sex before exercise and those who abstained.
Yes, testosterone levels may fluctuate slightly post-orgasm, but they return to baseline within hours—meaning no long-term impact on muscle growth. If anything, ejaculation might actually help muscle recovery by lowering cortisol, the stress hormone that can interfere with gains.
The “NoFap” and Semen Retention Movement: Fact or Fiction?
The NoFap movement and semen retention community claim that avoiding ejaculation leads to more energy, mental clarity, and strength. While some guys say they feel more powerful when they “hold it in,” the science is shaky at best.
Here’s what research actually shows:
A short period of sexual abstinence (3–7 days) may cause a small, temporary boost in testosterone.
Beyond that, there’s no evidence that long-term semen retention benefits muscle strength, energy, or performance.
Any perceived benefits are likely psychological rather than physiological —more about self-discipline and mindset than any biological superpower.
Energy Levels and Ejaculation: Does It Drain You?
That post-nut nap? It’s real. But it’s not because you’re “losing energy.” After orgasm, your body releases oxytocin and prolactin, which promote relaxation and sleep. In fact, ejaculation can improve sleep quality, which in turn boosts energy levels in the long run.
So unless you’re immediately crashing before an important event, there’s no real reason to worry.
Ejaculation and Athletic Performance: Will It Hurt Your Workout?
Does ejaculating before a big game or lifting session hurt performance? Science says probably not.
A study on boxers found that those who had sex before a fight performed just as well as those who abstained.
Another study on endurance athletes found no impact on power output or reaction time .
If anything, stress relief from sex or masturbation could help you perform better —as long as you don’t overdo it and end up too relaxed to care.
Mind Over Matter: The Psychological Side of Ejaculation
The only real “weakness” ejaculation can cause is in your mindset. If you believe that masturbating makes you weaker, it could mess with your motivation or confidence —but that’s a mental game, not a physical one.
When Too Much Might Be a Problem
While ejaculating won’t make you weak, excessive masturbation can cause:
Mental fatigue if it’s replacing other productive activities
Decreased motivation for real-life intimacy if you rely too much on porn
Temporary sensitivity issues if you overdo it on the friction factor
Balance is key. If you think you’re overdoing it, take a break and see how you feel.
MYTHBUSTERS: IS SEX BEFORE THESE THINGS GOOD OR BAD?
1. A Big Game
Verdict: Probably fine.
A well-timed release can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost relaxation—just don’t go overboard and show up drained. If anything, performance anxiety might be the real opponent here.
2. A Big Test
Verdict: Could go either way.
Sex or masturbation before a test might relax you and improve focus, but if it turns into a nap marathon, you’re on your own.
3. Working Out
Verdict: No major impact.
Science says it doesn’t decrease strength or endurance. If you feel good, go for it. If you feel sluggish afterward, maybe save it for the cool-down phase.
4. A Big Presentation at Work
Verdict: Probably a good idea.
If it helps you relax and take the edge off, it could actually improve performance —unless you immediately crash at your desk. Know your limits.
5. Your Prostate PSA Blood Test
Verdict: Hold off for 48 hours.
Ejaculating can temporarily raise PSA levels , which could mess with your results. If you want accuracy, keep it in your pants until after the test.
6. A Big Date
Verdict: Depends on your style.
If it helps keep you calm and collected, it might be a good move. But if it makes you too relaxed or uninterested, you might want to save the fireworks for later.
Popstar’s Pro Tip: Keep the Goods in Top Shape
Ejaculation won’t make you weak, but keeping your semen volume high and your orgasms intense is always a win. That’s where Popstar Volume + Taste comes in—supporting sperm health, boosting semen volume, and even improving taste (because why not?).
And if you’re looking for a little extra help in the stamina department? Popstar Delay Spray helps you go the distance, making sure you finish strong in bed.
Final Verdict: Does Ejaculating Make You Weaker?
The science is clear: ejaculation does NOT make you weak. Masturbation and sex won’t sap your strength, tank your testosterone, or ruin your gym gains. If anything, it supports prostate health, reduces stress, and can even improve sleep and recovery. The idea that semen is some kind of “vital energy” that must be hoarded for strength is an outdated myth.
Regular ejaculation has health benefits like reducing stress and improving sleep.
There’s no solid evidence that abstinence gives you superhuman strength.
The only downside? Overdoing it might impact motivation—so keep it balanced.
Bottom line? If you feel good, go for it. If you feel sluggish afterward, listen to your body. That said, balance is always key. If you feel like you’re overdoing it or if it’s affecting your motivation, experiment with different habits and see what works best for you. Your strength comes from consistency in training, diet, and recovery—not whether or not you’ve had a release.
Key Takeaways
Ejaculation doesn’t make you weak —it has no long-term effect on testosterone, strength, or energy levels.
Short-term semen retention (3–7 days) may provide a minor testosterone boost, but extended abstinence has no proven benefits.
Masturbation before exercise won’t ruin performance unless it mentally affects motivation or leads to exhaustion.
Balance is key —excessive ejaculation might cause mental fatigue, but moderate frequency has health benefits.
Popstar Volume + Taste supports semen volume and orgasm intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can ejaculating too much lower testosterone?
A: Nope. Your testosterone levels bounce back quickly, and there’s no evidence that frequent ejaculation causes long-term dips.
Q: Will masturbation make me weaker in the gym?
A: Not unless you’re exhausting yourself beforehand. Otherwise, there’s no impact on strength, endurance, or muscle growth.
Q: What about NoFap?
A: Some guys swear by it for mental focus and confidence, but there’s no scientific proof that it enhances strength or stamina.
Q: Does sex before a competition hurt performance?
A: Research says no —unless it’s keeping you up all night or mentally distracting you.
Q: How often should I ejaculate?
A: There’s no magic number. Listen to your body and do what feels good while maintaining a healthy balance.
Dr. Joshua Gonzalez
Dr. Joshua Gonzalez is a board-certified urologist who is fellowship-trained in Sexual Medicine and specializes in the management of male and female sexual dysfunctions. He completed his medical education at Columbia University and his urological residency at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Gonzalez has focused on advocating for sexual health and providing improved healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community.
Dr. Brian Steixner
Dr. Brian Steixner is a board-certified urologist and an expert in men’s sexual medicine. He completed his General Surgery and Urology training at The University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the busiest and most comprehensive programs in the nation. During his career, Brian has treated thousands of men with sexual health issues including male factor infertility.
