RECURRING INJURIES, CHRONIC fatigue and decreased performance are all telltale signs that you might be experiencing Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport – known as RED-S. But there’s another red flag that might take you by surprise: fewer or absent morning erections.
The condition affects pro and recreational athletes alike, and is caused by low energy availability, either through under-fuelling or over-exercising. Essentially, you don’t have enough energy in the tank to complete daily life and training.
Your hormones take a hit when you have RED-S, so don’t be alarmed if your physio asks about your morning erections when working towards a diagnosis.
‘It’s not intrusive. It’s a useful health signal,’ according to running physiotherapist Sophie Vecchione, who posted an Instagram reel on the topic. ‘Changes here can reflect disrupted hormone function, often linked to high training load, poor recovery, stress, or under-fuelling,’ she continues in the caption. ‘In male endurance athletes, this can be part of REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).’
The reel features physiotherapist Luke Vanderfeen, who emphasises the importance of having this conversation with your healthcare provider if RED-S is a risk.
