Abstinence

I was recently asked a question that I think is worth addressing in an article. A tribe member asked if abstaining from sex, as boxers have been known to do, could increase testosterone levels (making men more aggressive) and also, I assume, increase muscle mass.
Contrary to what one might think, sex does not have a significant negative effect on testosterone levels or physical performance (though repeated activity will lead to impaired between-the-sheets performance-but not for any tribe members, of course!). In a study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, the authors concluded that sexual activity had no detrimental influence on the maximal workload achieved, testosterone levels or on athletes' mental concentration as long as the sexual activity was at least two hours prior to physical activity. I can't say for sure, but I don't think the reason for the two hour window is for a post-coital cigarette!
Men can get a little "testy" if they haven't had sex in a while, but to my knowledge, it is not due to testosterone levels increasing from abstinence but rather is related to the stress release that accompanies ejaculation. In fact, studies show testosterone levels increase with increased activity(2). I guess that’s just one more reason to feel sorry for Mike Tyson!

1.Sztajzel J, Périat M, Marti V, Krall P, Rutishauser W. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2000 Sep;40(3):233-9. Effect of sexual activity on cycle ergometer stress test parameters, on plasmatic testosterone levels and on concentration capacity. A study in high-level male athletes performed in the laboratory.

2. van Anders SM, Hamilton LD, Watson NV. Multiple partners are associated with higher testosterone in North American men and women.
Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby BC, Canada V5A 1S6. saria@sfu.ca