As the whimsical season of 'No Nut November' comes back into play, the art of abstaining from self-love is once again thrust into the spotlight.
For the uninitiated, this challenge involves steering clear of any solo escapades for the entire month of November, with some enthusiasts claiming it's a boon for male well-being. The phenomenon has even made its mark on TikTok, where the hashtag #NNN (short for No Nut November) has garnered a staggering 15.5 billion views.
So, what exactly is the deal with No Nut November?
According to the solemn rules laid out on the Reddit thread r/nonutnovember, participants are expected to refrain from self-gratification in all its forms throughout the month. It's a challenge that's been likened to trends like 'No Shave November,' but instead of embracing facial hair, participants resist the temptation to make the bald man cry, as the Reddit community puts it.
But is 'nutting' excessively really a widespread issue?
Well, not really, says Gigi Engle, a sex and relationships psychotherapist and lead intimacy expert at the dating app 3Fun. She contends that the notion of being dependent on self-love is a myth, citing a lack of reputable scientific evidence supporting such claims. Even the DSM-5 doesn't recognize sex or porn addiction, and experts remain divided on whether one can be medically addicted to sex and masturbation.
So, why are men willingly subjecting themselves to this month-long challenge?
According to the No Nut November Reddit community, some are in it for the memes, while others seek genuine self-improvement. It's not a political movement, nor is it anti-porn or anti-women, clarifies u/yeeval, a moderator on the subreddit. He believes that while many start for the fun of the challenge, some come to realize the extent of their dependency on porn and masturbation as the days roll on.
One curious origin story attributes the challenge to a now retracted 2003 study suggesting that abstaining from self-love could spike testosterone. However, subsequent research failed to replicate these findings, highlighting issues like small sample sizes and mixed results.
But is a month-long abstinence a wise idea?
Engle warns against the practice of 'semen retention,' linking it to consistently higher levels of depression and anxiety. Reed Amber, a sex educator and podcast host, criticizes the notion that No Nut November implies one is masturbating or using porn too much without consulting professionals.
Contrary to the challenge's implied benefits, regular masturbation has its own set of health perks for men. Sex and Relationship Therapist Bima Loxley notes that ejaculating at least once a week can contribute to prostate health, potentially decreasing the risk of prostate cancer.
So, should you take the No Nut November plunge?
While nobody should feel pressured into self-love if they're not inclined, it's worth noting that masturbation has proven medical benefits for both the body and mind. On the flip side, abstaining under the guise of boosting testosterone has been debunked and could be detrimental to mental and physical health. As Bima Loxley succinctly puts it, "Porn and masturbation aren't the problem — it's our society and how we use it."
In the grand scheme of things, shame and stigmatizing masturbation aren't healthy. Reflecting on our reasons for self-love and being aware of our consumption of adult content isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if there are concerns about compulsive behavior.
So, if you fancy a bit of solo fun in November, go for it. And if you find yourself needing to address some compulsive sexual behaviors, well, the NHS has resources and support available. Happy (or abstinent) November!