A hashtag with No Nut November is trending on X, formerly known as Twitter. But what does it mean? If you are wondering the same No Nut November is a challenge where men aim to abstain from orgasm and ejaculation for the entire month, or around 720 hours.
What Is #NoNutNovember Challenge?
The #NoNutNovember trend, also abbreviated as #NNN, first gained traction on Twitter and other social media in 2011, with the earliest recorded reference popping up three days into that November on a popular slang site. According to Urban Dictionary, No Nut November is a month-long commitment to abstaining from masturbation.
The “nut” in No Nut November refers to the slang term “bust a nut,” a phrase dating back to the 1930s meaning to orgasm, though it can also refer to feelings like excitement or frustration—all of which might resonate with participants taking on the No Nut November challenge.
Should you participate in No Nut November?
It’s one of several viral monthly challenges, such as Dry January and Movember, that turn 30 days into a personal test. However, there’s no need to join in just because it’s gaining momentum on social media.
In the UK, around 96% of men report they masturbate, compared to 78% of women, meaning that No Nut November might be a tough commitment for many men. Those concerned about missing out on exercise during the challenge might be reassured to know that while sex can burn over 100 calories for men, it’s not exactly an effective workout plan. Women, interestingly, tend to burn about 30 calories less than men during intimacy, though the effort varies from person to person.
Movember, another charitable November initiative, similarly encourages self-discipline and determination. Some people are also leveraging No Nut November as a way to raise funds for prostate cancer awareness.
On the science of ejaculation, here’s how it works: Sexual arousal sends blood to the penis, resulting in an erection. Stimulating the penis and surrounding areas sends nerve signals that eventually lead to ejaculation. The tubes transporting sperm from the testes (the vas deferens) push the sperm toward the base of the penis, where the prostate and seminal vesicles add fluids to create semen. Finally, contractions at the base of the penis propel semen out in several spurts.
While popular belief suggests that a good “bedroom session” may improve sleep quality, science backs this too. After ejaculation, there is a rise in prolactin, a hormone that supports REM sleep, offering a scientific explanation for post-intimacy drowsiness. So if you drift off afterward, you have biology on your side.
No Nut November Rules: Can You Have Sex During the Challenge?
The rules for No Nut November may seem simple, but there are a few specifics to follow to successfully complete the challenge:
No ejaculating.
Only one attempt—if you “nut,” you’re out.
You must make it through all 30 days of November.
It might sound easy, but many participants say abstaining from ejaculation for a month is as tough as quitting smoking or cutting down on sugar. With porn being widely accessible, preparing yourself with strategies for success is key.
And regarding sex? Some participants, following a “hard mode,” argue that you can engage in sex as long as you don’t ejaculate, though this can lead to intense frustration, so it may not be the best approach.
Is No Nut November Beneficial for Health?
While there isn’t extensive scientific research on the effects of abstaining, many people share personal accounts of benefits from participating. For instance, Mike Tyson famously claimed he refrained from sex for five years during his peak, believing that abstinence gave him a competitive edge.
Interestingly, some studies indicate that refraining from ejaculation might boost testosterone levels, which may have contributed to Tyson’s powerful performance. Additionally, there’s speculation that abstaining could impact dopamine regulation, as frequent ejaculation, especially to porn, might affect the brain’s reward pathways. Taking a break may help these systems rebalance.
Another potential benefit of participating is freeing up time for other activities. Rather than spending time viewing porn, using No Nut November to explore a new hobby, improve fitness, or pick up a sport could provide positive boosts to both physical and mental well-being.
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