So you’ve decided to stop masturbating. Beyond the obvious, what changes might you notice in your body, and are there genuine upsides?
Challenges like ‘No Nut November’ and the wider ‘NoFap’ trend have pushed the topic into the spotlight, prompting many people to ask what abstaining actually does to the body, no matter your gender.
There are plenty of reasons someone might quit. For some, masturbation still feels taboo; for others it’s a personal test, sometimes paired with avoiding explicit content online.
Even so, solo sex is extremely common. A Columbia University report suggested 84 percent of people in the US masturbate.
Despite how widespread it is, many people still feel uneasy about it. One survey from Bedbible reported around 53 percent felt shame about masturbation, while 47 percent said they felt guilty talking about it.
In particular, some men share personal stories claiming that stopping boosts things like testosterone or concentration, though these claims don’t always line up neatly with solid evidence.
To understand what might change when you stop, it helps to know what’s happening during masturbation. Orgasms trigger the release of several hormones and neurotransmitters, including endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin — the latter often labeled the ‘love hormone’.
Research also suggests oxytocin release can reduce levels of cortisol, sometimes referred to as the ‘stress hormone’.
In other words, orgasms can come with real feel-good effects, even when they happen solo.
One frequently cited benefit of abstinence in online communities is improved fertility metrics, especially sperm count. A 2019 study published in Andrology reported that men who avoided ejaculation for anywhere from one to four days showed increases in sperm count, semen volume, and sperm motility.
That said, whether cutting out masturbation itself consistently leads to better sperm outcomes is still debated. Planned Parenthood states that masturbating will not lower your sperm count. However, Shree IVF Clinic notes that very frequent masturbation — such as three or four times daily — could affect the number of sperm per ejaculation.
Another popular idea (though not a straightforward scientific conclusion) is that masturbating less could increase the desire for partnered sex. The thinking is that when you hold off, sexual tension may build, which could make intimacy feel more exciting or something you look forward to more.
In reality, people respond differently. Some find that reducing masturbation increases anticipation with a partner, while others notice no change — and some may even experience less interest. Much depends on the individual, their libido, and what’s going on in their relationship.