When people decide to give up self-pleasure permanently, there are five significant changes they may experience.
You might be familiar with the concept of No Nut November, a challenge that encourages individuals to abstain from releasing for the entire month to practice self-control.
But what if someone chooses to stop engaging in self-pleasure indefinitely?
A survey conducted by Womanizer in 2021 revealed that, on average, men globally engage in self-pleasure 140 times a year, while women do so 53 times per year. This averages to approximately 2.6 times a week for men and about once a week for women.
Health experts suggest that giving up solo activities altogether can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.
This topic gained attention after Madison Prewett, a former contestant on The Bachelor, candidly shared her ten-year journey to overcome what she refers to as ‘sexual sin’.
Madison, who participated in the 2020 season of the reality TV show, spoke on her Stay True podcast about how rekindling her faith empowered her to stop watching adult content and self-pleasure.
She mentioned that for years she felt burdened by shame and kept her struggles hidden from those around her.
Madison credits her faith community and spiritual beliefs for helping her overcome what she describes as an addiction.
“This has been a struggle,” she shared on her podcast. “This has been a huge part of my testimony, something I’ve struggled with since middle school.”
“And thankfully, by the grace of God, and by the power of the Godly community and people around me, I have been free from porn and masturbation for…I don’t even know, 10 years?”
So, what happens when you quit self-pleasure for good?
Psych2Go, a popular YouTube channel, has explored the effects – from potentially awkward to intriguingly unusual.
The initial changes are likely to be physical, and they may not all be positive.
For women, the absence of self-pleasure might lead to increased tension and pelvic tightness, as noted by Psych2Go, because ‘regular sexual activity increases blood flow to the pelvic region, which helps with relaxation and overall pelvic health’.
However, this shouldn’t be too concerning, and alternative relaxation methods like gentle exercises can be adopted.
While these might not be as thrilling as an orgasm, they can still benefit the body.
As for men, extended periods without ejaculation may result in wet dreams, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Mental effects are also evident, which can vary. While masturbation and climaxing provide a dopamine boost, taking a break can offer a temporary mental boost, according to Psych2Go.
One study indicated that men who abstained for a week experienced a testosterone surge, leading to higher energy levels and confidence.
Nonetheless, prolonged abstinence from release might result in increased stress, irritability, and heightened sexual energy.
Psych2Go also suggests that some individuals find that abstaining from self-pleasure helps them channel more energy into their relationships or dating life, intensifying emotional and physical intimacy.
Some people claim it enhances attraction and deepens connection, although these observations are mostly anecdotal.
Conversely, research published in Sexual Medicine Reviews indicates that regular solo activities can enhance self-awareness and reduce performance anxiety, leading to more satisfying partnered experiences.
In essence, while abstaining might increase excitement for some, maintaining the practice could actually boost sexual confidence and partner interactions.
Proponents of NoFap assert that giving up masturbation enhances focus, motivation, and willpower.
Research, however, is mixed: while some studies suggest improved concentration, others indicate that trying to suppress sexual thoughts may lead to increased preoccupation with them.
The key takeaway is that self-control can be cultivated without completely foregoing pleasure.
Abstaining from masturbation can alter one’s perception of sex and intimacy.
Some individuals report feeling more in control of their desires, while others might experience a sense of disconnection, as if a part of their identity is diminished.
Research published in the Journal of Sex Research found that prolonged periods without self-pleasure can change how individuals experience intimacy. For some, it leads to a greater appreciation for emotional connections, while others may encounter frustration or guilt.