#NNN, #StayStrong, #FallenSoldier, #3weeksleft. These are all hashtags that gain a lot of traction every year during November. November may be a month of pumpkin spice lattes and jumping on piles of leaves for some, but for others, by joining the No Nut November (NNN) challenge, November is a month of discomfort, anguish, shame — or potentially empowerment. No Nut November is a major internet challenge that started in 2011 and has since gained popularity on Reddit and Twitter (Manavis, 2018). Those who accept the challenge vow to try to go the entire month of November without an orgasm and/or ejaculation – especially as a result of masturbation. While abstinence may be a healthy and positive choice that many people may make based on religious or moral prohibitions, the roots of this particular challenge are based on misinformation, stigma, and misogyny. This blog examines these motivations and beliefs that underlie NNN, as well as the pros and cons of participating. I will also delve into the larger implications and ramifications of this challenge and explain why it needs to be #cancelled and stopped.
Why do people join NNN?
The majority of people participating in this challenge are penis owners and there are several reasons why they might participate (Manavis, 2018). The original motivation for this challenge was reportedly based on a now-retracted 2003 study that claimed that men who abstained from masturbation saw spikes in their testosterone levels after 7 days of abstinence (Jiang et al., 2003). Just to be clear: this claim is completely false. However, this false claim gained traction and became the foundation of the NNN movement, and since then NNN has been littered with shameful and misogynistic beliefs that masturbation is for “beta-males”—men who don’t have “luck” with women or do they do not conform to “traditional ideas of masculinity” (Manavis, 2018). Other reasons for participating are to prevent sexual dysfunction and to develop a sense of community with other participants (Mendelson, 2022).
The Problematic Narrative Behind NNN & Anti-Asturbation
The stigma surrounding masturbation is by no means nuanced or new. We have seen this since at least the 18th century with the publication of many books – some published by anonymous authors, others by well-known doctors – shaming people who masturbated and warning them of the “dangers” of masturbation, with no empirical evidence to support them. the claims (Laqueur, 2004). Since then, there have been countless movements to unlearn this misinformation, but unfortunately, many still perpetuate these harmful ideals. In the context of NNN, many have ideals that “real men” or “Alpha males” do not masturbate and that those who do are “beta males” or weak, submissive and incapable of having sex with a woman (Burnett, 2022) .
What does all this have to do with being a “real man” and what does that mean? Not all men have penises and not all men have penises. Not every penis owner wants to have sex with a woman, or to want to have sex at all—and we shouldn’t push a narrative that says they’re wrong about it. Moreover, these narratives reduce women to devices meant for men’s sexual pleasure and perpetuate the idea that sex is something that is done to women and not with them. It ignores women’s sexual agency and acts as if they are not autonomous beings, capable of making the decision to have sex for themselves.
Trying to increase testosterone levels through sperm retention, developing facial hair, deepening the voice, being aggressive and controlling, and “masculinity” (all false associations!!) propagates a violent narrative about masculinity and what it means to be human (Burnett, 2022). These narratives are inherently homophobic, transphobic and misogynistic. Communities built around these principles are not safe or healthy, yet they actively instill these beliefs in 13-year-olds, shaming those who masturbate and praising those who are “strong enough” to abstain (Manavis, 2018).
Are there clinical benefits to abstinence? Spoiler Alert – Not really
The study claiming abstinence from ejaculating spikes testosterone levels has now been retracted and its findings have not stood up to the ultimate test of being replicated. However, since then, there have been several studies showing that the general trend is that testosterone levels increase after sexual activityimplying that abstention from sexual activity can actually be counterproductive if the goal is to increase testosterone (Lehmiller, 2020). Additionally, if one is concerned that masturbation is associated with erectile problems, note that research has not found any consistent relationship between masturbation frequency and erectile dysfunction (Rowland et al., 2022). Things that people should be concerned about in terms of risk factors for erectile dysfunction are slightly more complicated things like medical issues that affect sexual response and decreased sexual interest (Rowland et al., 2022). So, by abstaining from masturbation, you’re not preventing any negative health outcomes, and you’re not going to see many clinical benefits—you may actually miss out on some.
Benefits of Masturbation
Clinically, masturbation and orgasm have many benefits, which have been proven time and time again in study-based research. Endorphins are released in your brain during orgasm, which are hormones that reduce the perception of pain and increase feelings of pleasure and well-being (Mendelson, 2022). This is why masturbation is often used by people to fall asleep, temporarily relieve anxiety and stress, and increase general and overall feelings of happiness (Mendelson, 2022). Masturbation has also been found to be very successful as a means of temporary pain relief. studies have shown that it can reduce headache pain through endorphin release and activation of pain inhibitory pathways in the brain (Gotkine et al., 2006). Recent studies have even shown that the analgesic properties of masturbation were helpful in relieving labor pain (Mayberry & Daniel, 2015). In studies of men, masturbation has also been found to improve overall health and immune system function and reduce the risk of prostate cancer (Levin, 2007; Mendelson, 2022). There are also many non-clinical benefits! Masturbation is a way to explore, understand, and feel comfortable with your body and has been linked to higher self-esteem (Planned Parenthood, 2022). As a result of tuning in to your own likes and dislikes, people who masturbate tend to be more easily aroused and reach orgasm. it can also enhance their sexual satisfaction from sex (Mendelson, 2022).
To Nut or Not to Nut?
Ultimately, masturbation, orgasm, and ejaculation are healthy behaviors that come with minimal risk and many benefits. Abstaining from masturbation has no proven benefits, although the option is still available for those who wish to abstain. But this choice must be made using exact information, and not misogynistic and harmful principles.
Why should you care about this? Shaming people for healthy and natural sexual behaviors under the guise of “holding them accountable” to toxic ideals of masculinity can be harmful to some. The idea of a whole month intentionally abstaining from something you probably enjoy and might benefit from, not because you want to, but because you’re being pushed and shamed with misinformation and stigma, shouldn’t be something normalized or encouraged – even as a joke the challenge. Therefore, we must challenge our existing beliefs and the narratives fed to us by those who do not have our best interests at heart. Maybe it’s time to #cancelthischallenge and say no to No Nut November.
Join our No Nut November study
Melody Garas, 4th year BAH Psychology, Queen’s University
bibliographical references
Burnett, S. (2022). The battle over ‘nofap’: Myths, masculinity and the meaning of abstinence. Men and masculinities, 25(3), 477-496.
Gotkine, M., Steiner, I., & Biran, I. (2006). Now dear, I have a headache! immediate improvement of cluster headaches after sexual activity. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
Jiang, M., Jiang, X., Zou, Q., & Shen, J.-wen. (2003). REFERRED ARTICLE: An investigation on the relationship between ejaculation and serum testosterone level in men – Journal of Zhejiang University-Science A. SpringerLink. Retrieved from
Laqueur, TW (2004). Lonely Sex: A Cultural History of Masturbation. Zone Books.
Lehmiller, J. (2021). Can abstinence from masturbation increase testosterone? Sex and Psychology. Retrieved from
Levin, RJ (2007). Sexual activity, health and well-being – the beneficial roles of intercourse and masturbation. Journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14681990601149197
Manavis, S. (2018). No nut november: The sneaky online challenge that encourages men not to masturbate. The New Statesman UK. Retrieved from
Mayberry L, Daniel J. (2015). “Birthgasm”: A literature review of orgasm as an alternative mode of pain relief during childbirth. Journal of Holistic Nursing. doi: 10.1177/0898010115614205.
Mendelson, E. (2022). Say no to No Nut November: The health benefits of masturbation. Sex and Psychology. Retrieved from
Planned Parenthood. (2022). Is masturbation healthy? Planned Parenthood. Retrieved from
Rowland, DL, Castleman, JM, Bacys, KR, Csonka, B., & Hevesi, K. (2022). Do pornography use and masturbation play a role in erectile dysfunction and relationship satisfaction in men? International Journal of Impotence Research. Retrieved from
