Sexual behaviour of combative athletes – Is there a greater risk?

Abstract

Athletes are often associated with a greater degree of risk behaviour. It also includes potentially dangerous sexual habits and behaviour, among other things. This study deals with sexual habits and behaviour of combative athletes. The research sample (n-65) consists of representatives of various combat sports and these representatives are categorized into three groups: international (n-15), national (n-28), and regional competitors (n-22). Data were collected through the medium of a questionnaire which allowed us to compare results with sexual behaviour of Czech population over last 20 years. Athletes comprised in this study are more sexually active, have more sexual partners over the life, and tend to have various, risk sexual behaviour more likely than common Czech population. This phenomenon is more significant in elite athletes. We believe this could be affected by access to short-term relationships and by the awareness of athletes that they are attractive to women. In the light of these findings, we suggest to increase prevention of risky sexual behaviour for athletes in masculine sports.