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Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life, Health, Women's Health, Science
Lucy Sarret
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life, Health, Women's Health, Science
As No Nut November (NNN) approaches once again, there's been plenty of debate online about whether it's actually good for you.
The health benefits of doing the challenge, which sees men attempting to abstain from ejaculating for the entire month, have long been questioned.
However, one question often arises: why don’t women participate in No Nut November - and should they?
According to a recent discussion on Reddit’s 'Ask Women' thread, the answer seems pretty clear: women don’t feel the need to engage in the challenge, and frankly, many find it pointless.
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But beyond the social and cultural aspects, Dr. Kate Jameson, a renowned physician from Youth Lab AUS, has weighed in with some important health insights.
While the No Nut November trend suggests that abstaining from masturbation for an entire month offers physical and mental benefits, Dr. Jameson tells us otherwise.
“From a medical perspective, there is limited evidence to support significant long-term benefits of abstaining from masturbation, particularly for an entire month,” she says.
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Many of the claims surrounding NNN are simply unsupported by science. Masturbation, according to Dr. Jameson, is a natural and healthy activity for both men and women.
It can relieve stress, release feel-good endorphins, and even improve mood. In fact, regular ejaculation, especially for men, is thought to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
So, for men, prolonged abstinence may actually have the opposite effect on their health. And the same applies to women.
“Both men and women experience similar physical and psychological responses to masturbation, and the health impacts of abstaining for a short period would be negligible for both genders,” Dr. Jameson explains.
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Some participants of No Nut November claim the challenge helps men with discipline, focus, and even spiritual health, but Dr. Jameson is quick to highlight that these benefits are subjective.
“Mentally, the challenge may offer a sense of control and discipline for participants, but any perceived psychological benefits are likely linked to personal goals rather than inherent health benefits,” she says.
For women, these arguments often feel less relevant. Unlike the societal pressure men may face regarding sexual performance or porn consumption, women’s experiences with masturbation and sex tend to be different.
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One Reddit user noted: "Women aren’t addicted to porn or masturbating at nearly the rate that men are, so it’s not necessary to challenge ourselves against it."
But beyond this, Dr. Jameson stresses that the benefits—or lack thereof—of the challenge don’t differ significantly between men and women.
“The idea that these benefits might differ between men and women is interesting but largely unfounded", she explains.
"Both men and women experience similar physical and psychological responses to masturbation, and the health impacts of abstaining for a short period would be negligible for both genders.
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"Therefore, there is no substantial evidence to suggest that men benefit more from abstaining than women.”
So, should women consider participating in No Nut November?
Dr. Jameson’s message is clear: there’s no need to.
"While participating in challenges like No Nut November can be a personal or cultural choice, the health benefits of abstaining from masturbation remain largely unsupported by scientific evidence", she explains.
For women, the conversation around No Nut November often shifts to bigger issues like the orgasm gap and the importance of closing it.
As one Reddit user put it: “They should dedicate a month to men learning how to please women properly.”
So, as November rolls in, don’t feel pressured to give up something that can bring you joy and relaxation. You do you—literally!