The question of whether engaging in sexual activity, including ejaculation, is beneficial or detrimental when ill is common, often fueled by myths about “sweating out” a sickness or “draining” the body’s resources. No single action can cure an acute infection like a cold or flu, but examining the physical and hormonal changes during and after orgasm provides a science-based perspective. The decision involves balancing temporary psychological benefits against physical energy expenditure and the risks of transmitting the illness.
Physiological Costs and Energy Expenditure
Sexual activity and ejaculation constitute a form of moderate physical activity, placing a temporary demand on the cardiovascular system. During an average encounter, the heart rate typically increases to between 90 and 130 beats per minute, comparable to climbing two flights of stairs. This rise in heart rate is accompanied by increased respiration, which is a normal response to physical exertion.
The expenditure of energy during this activity is relatively low, averaging about 85 to 101 calories for men and 69 calories for women over a typical session. However, when the body is fighting an infection, this exertion can feel magnified due to underlying fatigue, fever, or muscle aches. The body also releases stress hormones like norepinephrine and epinephrine, which temporarily increase metabolism and may contribute to feeling drained afterward. For individuals with a high fever or severe dehydration, any additional physical strain carries a higher risk of exacerbating symptoms like lightheadedness or exhaustion.
The Immune System and Ejaculation
The belief that ejaculation directly suppresses the immune system during an active infection lacks substantial scientific support. Sexual arousal and orgasm trigger a complex hormonal cascade, including the release of catecholamines and the hormone prolactin. These hormonal fluctuations, however, do not appear to have a decisive or long-lasting impact on the immune response to a viral or bacterial infection.
Limited research on masturbation-induced orgasm has observed a temporary increase in the circulation of certain white blood cells, specifically natural killer cells. This effect is short-lived and is not considered strong evidence that the act can meaningfully boost the body’s ability to fight off a cold or flu. The body’s primary energy allocation remains focused on combating the illness, and ejaculation neither significantly diverts this energy nor provides a substantial immune advantage.
Mental State and Symptom Relief
One of the most notable effects of orgasm, especially when feeling unwell, is the temporary relief it offers from generalized discomfort. Orgasm triggers the immediate release of endorphins, which function as the body’s natural pain relievers, masking minor aches, headaches, and body soreness. A rush of dopamine, associated with pleasure and reward, can also significantly elevate mood and reduce the stress associated with being sick.
The post-orgasm release of oxytocin promotes feelings of relaxation and can facilitate sleep, which is a crucial component of physical recovery. Furthermore, the temporary increase in adrenaline during arousal can cause vasoconstriction, which may briefly help to alleviate nasal congestion. These psychological and symptomatic benefits are temporary, but they can provide a welcome respite from the misery of an illness.
Managing Contagion Risks During Illness
When considering sexual activity with a partner while sick, the primary concern is the risk of transmitting the illness. For common respiratory infections like the cold, flu, or COVID-19, the virus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and saliva. Close, face-to-face contact, kissing, and heavy breathing pose the highest risk of transmission. While these viruses do not typically transmit through ejaculate or vaginal fluids, physical intimacy means partners are sharing air space and exchanging germs through skin contact and potentially saliva.
To reduce contagion risk, individuals should avoid kissing and close face-to-face positions, consider using physical barriers, and ensure thorough hand washing before and after the activity. If the illness involves a high fever, is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, or is a known sexually transmitted infection, abstinence is the most responsible course of action.