A doctor has issued an urgent warning to any men who are considering taking part in a viral challenge next month...
November is a month that I often see as nothing more than a build-up to Christmas - with Thanksgiving thrown in the mix too.
But in recent years, a new trend amongst some men has appeared across the month, and it's really bizarre.
If you aren't aware by now, "No Nut November" involves men attempting to go through the entire month without ejaculating.
Your next question is probably: Why do people do this?
Participants claim that abstaining from m*sturbation offers various health benefits, including improved mental clarity, increased testosterone, and enhanced fertility.
It doesn't seem like this is backed by science...
Dr. Rena Malik, a well-known urologist, has shed some light on the supposed benefits of the challenge.
While some advocates argue that abstinence can boost fertility by increasing sperm count, Dr. Malik suggests that skipping out on m*sturbation might not be the best approach overall.
"Participating in No Nut November isn't going to wreck your health," Dr. Malik explained.
However, she emphasized that m*sturbation comes with its own set of health benefits, including "better sleep, decreased heart rate, decreased stress, and a lot of increase in feel-good hormones."
She also warned that some participants may experience discomfort during their attempt to abstain.
"People can get a lot of pain and discomfort in their pelvic floor, or their testicles. A lot of you guys have heard of 'blue balls,'" she added.
Even if someone successfully avoids masturbation for the entire month, it doesn't mean the body will comply.
While some health experts have praised the concept of self-discipline, they caution against framing abstinence as the best way to achieve personal growth.
According to Dr. Malik, the physical and mental benefits of occasional m*sturbation, such as improved sleep and reduced stress, may outweigh the potential upsides of a month of abstinence.
If you're interested in learning more about m*sturbation - which is something I never thought I'd get to type at work - a doctor has also expressed the dangers of doing it too much.
Dr. Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, shared his insights with The Daily Mail, noting that there is no strict guideline for how much self-pleasure is too much.
"Overall, there’s no strict rule or guideline on how much people should m*sturbate," Dr. Grant explained. "But when m*sturbation gets out of hand, there’s a variety of ways it can impact sexual and physical health."
One of the key concerns Dr. Grant highlighted is the increasing use of p*rnography, which has been linked to a rise in p*rn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED).
According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, up to 50% of adult men experience some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Dr. Grant also warned of the physical impacts of compulsive m*sturbation, particularly in relation to sensitivity.
"Compulsive m*sturbation can lead to reduced sensitivity in the genital area, making it more difficult to achieve sexual pleasure or stimulation," he said.
"It can occur when nerve endings become damaged from too much activity, creating a loss of sensitivity. This can also impact individuals who m*sturbate too roughly, causing potential friction damage."
Basically, there's no need to torture yourself this November, but also don't overdo it.
