A medical professional has highlighted the potential risks associated with ‘No Nut November’ and addressed some of the misunderstandings surrounding the trend.
No Nut November is a popular month-long abstinence challenge, primarily involving men, who commit to avoiding sexual activity or masturbation for an entire month.
The movement gained traction on social media around 2017, with numerous participants sharing their experiences, discussing its effects, and debating its benefits.
Many believe that refraining from ejaculation can boost testosterone levels and enhance sperm quality, but one doctor has debunked this myth.
Erectile dysfunction specialist Dr. Rena Malik previously used her YouTube platform to point out that participating in the challenge may cause individuals to miss out on the positive effects of masturbation.
She explained, “There are numerous advantages to masturbation, including improved sleep, reduced heart rate, decreased stress, and an increase in feel-good hormones.”
“Some people experience pain and discomfort in their pelvic area, or in their testicles. Many are familiar with the term ‘blue balls’.”
Dr. Malik highlighted that masturbation can alleviate these issues.
Furthermore, she cautioned about certain ‘dangers’ to be aware of, related to the body’s internal functions.
In a discussion with Doctor Mike on his YouTube channel on November 10, they explored the annual challenge and some misconceptions tied to it.
Doctor Mike inquired, “Does engaging in sexual activity or masturbation affect testosterone?”
Dr. Malik responded, “Oh, yeah, that’s a great question. Many people assume that retaining semen will boost testosterone levels.
“Interestingly, I recently discovered from a guest on my podcast, Eric Sprinkle, that No Nut November started as a joke.”
She noted that initially, people saw it as a ‘meme’ before it evolved into something participants pursued earnestly, believing it could enhance testosterone, focus, energy, and masculinity.
However, according to the expert, there is ‘no scientific evidence that refraining from masturbation or ejaculation enhances testosterone levels.'”
Dr. Malik warned that abstaining might cause discomfort in the pelvic region, potentially leading to other complications.
“My main concern with No Nut November is not the abstinence itself. If you choose to abstain, that’s okay. The issue arises when, during abstinence, individuals often tighten their pelvic floor muscles,” she stated.
She elaborated: “Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles we all have, men included. When you tense these muscles because you desire to ejaculate but force yourself not to, you risk creating dysfunction.”
Informing viewers of potential risks such as erectile dysfunction, back pain, urinary urgency, constipation, or hip pain, another issue could be experiencing pain during erections or ejaculation.
“This particular concern is significant because it can be quite harmful and difficult to resolve. It may require pelvic floor physical therapy and extensive treatment to return to normal,” Dr. Malik concluded.