Expert reveals huge health perk of doing No Nut November for just one week

As we head deeper into November, some men are undertaking a challenge that could have a big health perk.

November comes with many things to look forward to, such as Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

Some experts have warned against doing 'No Nut November.' Credit: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty

But some men opt to use the month to test their self-control, as they try to not ejaculate for the entire month.

No nut November means some men across the world won't m*sturbate or have sexual intercourse for the entire month.

This might seem bizarre, but apparently there could be a health benefit to all of this.

While some sex and relationship experts advocate for the challenge, others caution against it.

For those hesitant to commit to a full month of abstinence, research suggests that even a single week of abstaining from sexual activity may come with some benefits.

A 2003 study involving 28 men found that seven days of abstinence led to a 145.7% increase in testosterone levels compared to baseline.

Testosterone is linked to mood regulation, muscle growth, and sexual health.

There are pros and cons to No Nut November. Credit: wakila/Getty

Although the study was retracted in 2021 due to similarities with a 2002 publication in Chinese, other research still suggests short abstinence periods can benefit hormone levels.

Additionally, a 2019 study showed that a few days of abstinence - specifically one to four - can enhance sperm health, improving sperm count, movement, and volume.

But before you make any decisions, you should probably know the downside too.

Dr. Alexis Missick, an erectile dysfunction expert with UK Meds, cautions that refraining from all sexual activity might lead to certain issues, particularly for those prone to anxiety about sexual performance.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Dr. Missick said: “M*sturbation actually has beneficial effects on testosterone levels and libido, almost like a positive advocate loop.”

“M*sturbating can delay the time to ejaculation, almost like building stamina and routine,” she added. “It can also reduce psychological issues such as low self-esteem and performance anxiety, which can increase the chance of erectile dysfunction.”

Dr. Missick explained that, conversely, abstinence could aggravate conditions like premature ejaculation and, indirectly, erectile dysfunction.

For those experiencing such issues, she recommended managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking mental health support if challenges arise in personal or professional areas.

Urologist and sexual health expert Dr. Rena Malik also offered a word of caution for no nut November participants, suggesting that 30 days of abstinence may be more than some can manage comfortably.

In a YouTube video, Dr. Malik shared that: “There’s a number of benefits to m*sturbation, including better sleep, decreased heart rate, decreased stress, and an increase in feel-good hormones.”

Additionally, she warned that prolonged abstinence could cause physical discomfort, specifically pelvic pain or testicular discomfort, commonly referred to as “blue balls.”

She also noted that because the body continues to produce sperm, a lack of release over time can lead to a buildup in the genitals, which will eventually require relief.

In short, everything is fine in moderation!

Featured image credit: wakila/Getty