No Nut or Go Nuts: What’s the Deal with No Nut November?
November is a time for fall foliage, pumpkin pie, and, apparently, when Christmas starts. It has also become a time when people on the internet decided that no one should orgasm or masturbate. Fondly known as No-Nut November(NNN), a phrase that makes all the squirrels in my neighborhood clutch their pearls. And I honestly join them.
Technically, NNN is geared towards men, who are told to avoid ejaculating for the entire month of November, with the promise that this period of abstinence will boost testosterone, provide health benefits, and, in some cases, enlightenment. Spoiler: There isn’t any data to support these claims. Meanwhile, we do have data surrounding the benefits of masturbation and ejaculation. While NNN is marketed to people with a penis, in the spirit of equality, I will be speaking about these benefits for all genders.
People are often shocked when they find out that I rarely prescribe Kegel exercises and instead I am far more likely to tell people to masturbate. It may be why I’m one of the few PTs who can brag that their patients are very compliant with their home exercise program, but I digress.
Not to sound like a teenage boy, but masturbation is awesome. It’s safe. It’s fun. And it helps a person learn about their own body and sexual wants. While I tell people it's important to focus on the overall pleasure experience vs rushing to climax, we do know that orgasms come with some actual health benefits.
Orgasms can help reduce stress and anxiety. This is due to a release of several feel-good hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin. Orgasms can also improve sleep. While one study found that only orgasms achieved during partnered sex led to improved sleep quality, a different study reported that orgasms from partnered sex or masturbation resulted in improved sleep quality and reduced waking after falling asleep. Other research also found that solo or partnered sexual activity positively impacted sleep. Those who had an orgasm with a partner perceived better sleep outcomes, but people who experienced an orgasm through masturbation perceived better sleep quality and took less time to fall asleep.
These same hormones that may benefit sleep and calm you down can contribute to pain relief. There is data that shows orgasms provide relief for back pain, headaches, migraines, and menstrual pain. In a study done in the ‘80s, researchers found that when a woman self-stimulated their clitoris, women's pain tolerance increased by 40%, and when that stimulation resulted in an orgasm, the tolerance increased to 74%! Continued research suggests that orgasms activate similar areas in the brain that are involved with pain. It’s suggested that orgasms inhibit pain signals and release hormones to the spinal cord that block pain signals.
But wait, there’s more!
There is evidence that masturbation may lower a man’s risk for prostate cancer. In a study done at Harvard University, men who ejaculated 21 times or more saw a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to men who reported 4 to 7 ejaculations per month across their lifetimes. In a similar study in Australia, men who averaged roughly 5 to 7 ejaculations a week were 36% less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 70 compared to those who ejaculated less than 2 times a week.
More recently, a study came out that reports masturbation may improve symptoms associated with menopause. Nearly 1200 women were surveyed in the US, and masturbation was rated highest in providing symptom relief, primarily related to mood swings, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Participants also reported that masturbation helped with pain relief, improved sexual satisfaction, and vaginal lubrication. Those surveyed reported similar positive outcomes with partnered sex and when using sex toys or vibrators for symptom relief.
So why are folks trying to promote a month of no orgasms? I investigated the depths of the internet, which led me down a dark spiral of misinformation ending in Reddit. Apparently, in 2011, someone promoted the idea of semen retention, suggesting this would “cure” a list of health issues, including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, insomnia, laziness, and GI issues. There is also the false promise that by not masturbating for one week, a man will increase their testosterone by over 145%. Again, there is no medical data or research to support any of these claims. Yet, regardless of the lack of evidence, this Reddit post went viral, as the kids would say. This led to a likely satirical post that used the term, No-Nut November. Sadly, in our current world, once something is written online, it is considered fact. This has led to many people engaging in NNN.
But at the end of the day, the choice is always yours. If you decide to take a month off or self-stimulation or partnered sex, because that sounds good to you, feel free. But, if you want to have an orgasm, whether it’s alone or with another person, I say “go nuts.”
If you are experiencing sexual health concerns or having pain with sexual activity, consider working with me virtually or in person. Let’s get you having the sex life you want and deserve.
