Can ejaculation in men have an adverse effect on the immune system in the hours or days following an orgasm?

Question

Hello to you, I am a psychologist and I practice in a CLSC. I have an adult male patient who claims that ejaculating (through sex or masturbation) weakens the immune system. He says he noticed that he got sick more easily (cold or sore throat) after having ejaculated. He talks about the Zen philosophy that ejaculation in men weakens the immune system in the 1-2 days that follow, and he has read elsewhere that it reduces the man's zinc reserves (which he says he needs to replenish sperm). I've searched the net and can't find anything on the subject, or else, that ejaculation does not have negative effects as such. According to the evidence, is my patient in the field? Thank you for your attention, Thank you so much for your research and response!

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! Many references indicate that sexual activity can be beneficial to health, including the immune system. On the other side of the coin, I have found a few sources that refer to "post-orgasmic illness syndrome", but this is still very unclear. That being said, there is no indication that ejaculation is a risk factor for zinc deficiency considering the recommended nutritional intake of zinc easily achieved through the normal diet. Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27652231/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32033716/ It was my pleasure! Best regards. Tom Samaha, pharmacist