As December approaches, many are gearing up for festive holidays and time off work. But for a growing number of men, this time of year marks the end of a self-imposed challenge known as No Nut November — a month-long commitment to refrain from ejaculation, often referred to online as “nutting.”
What began as an internet meme has evolved into a global movement. Originating on Reddit, the No Nut November challenge has seen a significant rise in participation. The r/NoNutNovember community grew from 16,500 members in 2018 to over 149,000 by 2024. Meanwhile, the broader r/NoFap community has surpassed 1.2 million members since its launch in 2011.
But what exactly is No Nut November, and does abstaining from masturbation actually offer any health benefits?
What is No Nut November?
No Nut November (often abbreviated as NNN) is a challenge where participants aim to abstain from all forms of ejaculation throughout the month of November.
While the rules are simple, motivations vary. Some participants hope for physical benefits such as increased testosterone levels, while others use the challenge to curb what they feel is a dependency on pornography or excessive masturbation.
Research into the trend shows that those most motivated to take part often hold strong beliefs that masturbation has negative health effects, are influenced by conservative or religious values, or have lower trust in mainstream scientific advice.
Does Avoiding Masturbation Improve Your Health?
Currently, there’s no scientific evidence supporting any significant health benefits from not masturbating.
Masturbation and Testosterone: What’s the Truth?
One of the more popular claims from No Nut November supporters is that abstinence boosts testosterone. This is based largely on a single, limited study that showed a brief testosterone spike after a week of no ejaculation. However, other research has contradicted this, showing that sexual activity, including masturbation, can actually increase testosterone levels.
Unless you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone — such as fatigue, decreased libido, or mood changes — abstaining from masturbation is unlikely to have any noticeable hormonal effects. If you are concerned, it’s best to consult a medical professional.
Does Frequent Masturbation Affect Male Fertility?
Contrary to common myths, frequent masturbation does not harm fertility. In fact, daily ejaculation has been shown to improve sperm quality in some cases.
While ejaculating less often may result in a higher semen volume and sperm count per ejaculation, the overall sperm production remains consistent over time. What changes is just the quantity per instance — not your overall reproductive capability.
So, Is Masturbation Good for You?
Despite longstanding taboos and misinformation, masturbation is a normal, healthy part of human sexuality.
A 2014 Australian study found that 72% of men and 42% of women (ages 16–69) had masturbated in the previous year. Half of the men and nearly a quarter of the women had done so in the past four weeks.
Benefits of masturbation include:
- Better sleep
- Stress relief
- Boosted mood through endorphin release
- Improved self-image and sexual awareness
Some studies have even suggested a link between regular ejaculation and reduced prostate cancer risk. One study noted that men who ejaculated 21 times or more per month had a 31% lower risk of developing prostate cancer — although self-reported data limits how conclusive these findings can be.
Final Thoughts
While No Nut November and the NoFap movement may offer personal motivation, discipline, and a sense of community for some, there is no solid scientific basis for health benefits from avoiding masturbation. Masturbation, when practiced in moderation, is not only safe — it’s also beneficial for mental, emotional, and even physical health. Like any habit, balance is key. If you’re concerned about your sexual health or habits, speaking to a healthcare provider is always the best course of action
