(660) “Do You Still Have Sex, or Do You Already Play Golf?” – Sex Life in Comparison: Golfers, Physically Active and Physically Inactive Middle-Aged Men

Introduction In Germany, the phrase “Do you still have sex, or do you already play golf?” ironically reflects the stereotype that golf serves as a substitute for sexual activity in older age and conveys the assumption that sexuality becomes irrelevant in later life. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the sex lives of golfers, physically active men, and physically inactive men, focusing on sexual activity, the perceived importance of sexuality, and sexual satisfaction. Methods Men aged 50 years who participated in the Bavarian Men’s Health-Study between April 2020 and March 2025 were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess sociodemographic data, lifestyle factors, and parameters of sex life. Participants were categorized into three groups: golfers, physically active (non-golfers), and physically inactive men. Group comparisons regarding sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sexual parameters were conducted using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, as appropriate. Erectile function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function–Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF) and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS). Results Among 8,062 men (mean age 50.3 ± 0.58 years), 1.6% identified as golfers, 63.2% as physically active, and 35.2% as inactive. Golfers and physically active men were significantly more likely to be sexually active compared to inactive men (p < 0.001). They more frequently reported having more than one sexual partner within the past year, exhibited higher sexual desire, and rated their sex life as more important (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, both golfers and physically active men demonstrated significantly higher IIEF-EF and EHS scores (p < 0.001), indicating better erectile function. No significant differences were observed between groups regarding sexual satisfaction, frequency of masturbation, or the desire to change sexual activity levels. Conclusions Golfers and other physically active men were, on average, more sexually active and reported greater sexual desire and importance of sex life than physically inactive men. These findings suggest that physical activity may contribute to a more active and engaged sex life among middle-aged men. However, sexual satisfaction did not differ between groups, indicating that factors beyond physical activity may play a more central role in perceived sexual fulfillment. Taken together, these results contradict the German phrase “Do you still have sex, or do you already play golf?”, demonstrating that golfing and sexual activity are not mutually exclusive. Disclosure No