Expert reveals whether it's really safe to participate in No Nut November as viral challenge begins
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, Science
Joe Yates
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Tharakorn
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, Science
It’s that time again - 'No Nut November' is back and social media’s lighting up with debates about whether it’s safe, helpful, or just plain pointless.
The viral challenge asks participants to avoid ejaculating for the entirety of this month, and supporters claim it boosts testosterone, focus, confidence, and even hair growth - but experts aren’t totally convinced.
The idea first popped up on Urban Dictionary in 2011, before spreading across Reddit and Twitter in 2017. Despite its meme status, the concept of semen retention has deep, ancient roots.
Taoists and practitioners of tantric sex have long promoted abstinence as a way to enhance energy and mental clarity. But while the internet’s obsessed, science isn’t backing it up - yet.
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Some fans claim No Nut November helps with muscle growth, stamina, anxiety, and concentration; while others say it improves sperm quality and libido - but research into these claims remains extremely limited.
A 2003 study showed only a small, short-term testosterone boost after three weeks of abstinence, while a 2018 review even found sperm health improved more with regular ejaculation.
So, while some might feel more focused or disciplined, experts say those effects could be psychological, not hormonal.
Erectile dysfunction expert Dr Alexis Missick told The Daily Star: "Masturbation actually has beneficial effects on testosterone levels and libido, almost like a positive advocate loop."
She added: “By masturbating, it can delay the time to ejaculation, almost like building stamina. The reverse is true - refraining could worsen premature ejaculation and indirectly erectile dysfunction.”
Urologist Dr Rena Malik also weighed in on YouTube, saying masturbation brings 'better sleep, decreased heart rate, decreased stress and a lot of increase in feel-good hormones'.
But warned that total abstinence could cause pelvic discomfort or 'blue balls' - something many participants might experience as their bodies adjust to the challenge.
Meanwhile, TikTok medic Dr Karan Rajan explained: “Wet dreams or nocturnal emissions aren't always about sexual arousal. Nocturnal emissions are a way for the body to clear out sperm.
"Your sperm has an expiration date, so if you haven't fired your gooey cannon in a while, your body gets rid of the old stuff while you sleep."
She added: "If your body didn't reabsorb sperm your dingleberries would swell up."
So, is No Nut November dangerous? Not really. But it’s not a miracle cure either. If you’re doing it for fun or focus, fine - just don’t expect superhuman gains or spiritual awakening.