We know it's only just approaching March, but already, some are looking further ahead to No Nut November.
Whether you'll admit it or not, studies show that the majority of people masturbate. In fact, one national study suggested that 95% of males and 89% of females will confess to having masturbated at some point.
It was once considered a mental condition and is still seen as a perversion in some corners of society, but aside from it being a natural part of how humans reproduce, there's the simple fact that it feels good.
There are continued concerns about what younger people are viewing online and how they might be shaped by sex, which has led to recent restrictions imposed on sites like Pornhub, as well as the United Kingdom trying to outlaw 'choking' porn.
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Aside from the potential of contracting an STD, and excluding those who might be allergic to semen, ingesting 'the white stuff' won't do you any harm, although jokes about it being a protein shake might be way off the mark when you crunch the numbers on the nutritional value of ejaculate.
Sperm that isn't expelled from the body will simply be reabsorbed, suggesting that the idea of extending your No Nut November for much longer shouldn't do you any harm.
Now, one health expert has revealed what your abstinence is actually doing to your body.
As shared by Dr. Earim Chaudry from the men's health site Manual, there could be some surprising side effects when you stop 'burping the worm'.
It's said that these NoFap practitioners were originally spurred on by a now-redacted report that claimed not masturbating for a week increased a man's testosterone by a whopping 45.7%.
Other studies have claimed that testosterone actually increases after ejaculation, and some are adamant there's no effect on your hormones at all – meaning there's a lot of conflicting information out there.
Other proposed benefits include better mental clarity, more focus, and a better mood, although again, critics will say that masturbating can actually help with stress.
Finally, supporters of abstinence will state that not masturbating can help improve sperm health and even cure erectile dysfunction. Contrary to this, one 2017 study maintains that sperm motility actually decreases during periods of extended abstinence.
Chaudry then points to various studies that claim masturbation can be beneficial in combating depression, improving your immune system, and even reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes.
There are the obvious concerns about unhealthy attitudes toward masturbation, with WebMD reiterating that it's perfectly normal as long as it "does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body and can be performed in moderation throughout a person's lifetime as a part of normal sexual behavior."
When some cultures and religions might view it as 'sinful', this can lead to shame and taboos surrounding the discussion of masturbation.
Chaudry concludes that not everyone enjoys masturbation, and it's perfectly fine to feel that way. Still, he warns: "Don’t be convinced that not masturbating will bring health benefits. These have not been confirmed by science – and are purely based on anecdotes."
He rounds off by promoting links to reducing depression and having a healthier prostate, as well as it being enjoyable. The advice signs off by reminding us: "At the end of the day, what you do with your body is your choice alone."