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Topics: Sex and Relationships, Viral
Jess Battison
Most of us might currently be gearing up for the colder weather that’s approaching or the busy social plans of ‘silly season’, but for others, there’s something ‘challenging’ on the horizon.
The viral challenge of not masturbating for a month, that is - yeah, I can sense the eyes of much of the population rolling already.
But as it does every year, ‘No Nut November’ is coming (or not), and plenty of people may be currently debating if they’re going to have a go or not.
Honestly, the jury’s out on whether or not there’s any point in doing it, as there’s a debate on the pros and cons, with the reality having been broken down by experts.
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Many No Nutters (let’s be honest, I’m talking about men of a certain age demographic) have shared the impact the challenge had on them and their health.
The self-imposed challenge quite literally sees participants go through the whole of November without masturbating. Some take this to different extents, from totally ruling out sex to just trying to hold back from ejaculation.
A doctor previously noted that there may be mental benefits to doing it, as some reckon it improves their discipline, while another expert warned it may cause a lot of stress and anxiety.
Over on Reddit, a number of No Nutters agreed that doing the challenge left them feeling ‘really good’ while another said they had improved ‘self-control and patience’.
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Others noted a sense of accomplishment and decided they were ‘mentally stronger’ for getting through it.
Although some admitted their ‘balls were aching’ after a while, as another said the impact was 'literally nothing besides knowing I passed while others didn't'.
There are also participants who supposedly found that No Nut November reduced their watching of porn and that they had more time and energy for other activities.
Yet in reality, Oxford Online Pharmacy states: "There is not enough reliable evidence to prove the reported benefits of No Nut November."
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However, it did add: "Just as there is insufficient evidence to assert that No Nut November is good for you, there is not enough research to confirm that it is bad, either.
"Anecdotal benefits of ejaculation include reduced stress, better sleep quality, improved mental health and, if having regular sex with a partner, improved relationships."
While the pharmacy said there’s no issue with taking part in the challenge if 'you don’t have any physical or mental health problems that may be impacted by it', it urges contacting your doctor if you think you might be addicted to masturbation, or to porn or sex.