Purpose: The effects of sexual activity on athletic performance have been debated for centuries, with traditional abstinence beliefs lacking scientific foundation. We sought to map existing literature examining acute and delayed effects of sexual activity on athletic performance, and identify knowledge gaps across mechanistic pathways. Methods: Sexual activity encompassed intercourse, masturbation, or orgasm-culminating activities. Performance outcomes included strength, endurance, power, speed, reaction time, and sport-specific skills. This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches covered PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO (inception-July 2025). Population-Concept-Context framework guided study selection. Extracted data covered demographics, performance modalities, timing, and mechanisms. Narrative synthesis addressed heterogeneity.
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