What’s the point of No Nut November?

It’s November, my guys, which means a strange, exceedingly online annual tradition is once again taking over the web.

No Nut November has been a persisting online trend for more than a decade now, but it only truly became a force to be reckoned with in 2017. In the years since, its reach has only expanded, turning the month of November into an odd, international celebration of sorts, shared by men from all around the globe.

Mostly everyone has probably seen at least a glimpse of No Nut November, from #NNN tags to posts proclaiming the start of the month’s unofficial pastime — or lack thereof. It’s only gaining more steam online, so we’re taking a look at the trend’s origins, and the true purpose behind No Nut November.

What is No Nut November?

No Nut November is a digital yearly tradition based around arousal and sexual pleasure. It began as a joke but quickly grew into a full-blown trend, one that now entices thousands of men to participate each year. 

The trend challenges men to abstain from masturbation and, in particular, ejaculation for the entire month of November. There are a few stated reasons behind participation in the punishing yearly tradition, but none of them really hold up under scrutiny.

What’s the point?

The most commonly-accepted reasoning behind No Nut November comes down to sexual health. Some participants believe that sexual health can be improved by abstaining from ejaculation for a month, but no research supports this claim. Prolonged avoidance of ejaculation can, according to some reports, increase testosterone levels in some men, but it has very few notable health benefits. Thankfully, it is also not considered detrimental to health, so — by all means — keep your spunk to yourself if you so choose.

There’s a longstanding belief that postponing ejaculation somehow makes the eventual sex better, but this is also a misconception. There is the potential to curb compulsive sexual behavior, however, so it could be a good move for people struggling with sexual compulsions. In general, however, masturbation — and its finale — are considered healthy for those who engage in it.

The ones who do participate in the tradition aren’t concerned with any physical payoff, of course, and instead lean on a different, exceedingly male reason for their involvement. That is, according to Urban Dictionary, everyone else is doing it. The site notes that men “won’t jack off because other guys aren’t jacking off,” and labels the whole affair “a challenge to show true manliness.” The explanation seems absurd, but honestly perfectly suited to a trend as strange as No Nut November.