Really beneficial, 30 days without masturbation?

More testosterone, better concentration and a more fulfilling sex life: those who give up masturbation in November would be rewarded with many benefits. At least that’s what fans of “No Nut November” are promising on social media. But what does it really do for men to not have an orgasm for 30 days?

Every year in November, men from all over the world take on this challenge. While some give up only masturbation, others also eliminate pornography or even sex with their partner. The hope: to gain discipline, energy and, ultimately, sexual performance.

Psychologist Borbala Rozsnyik tempers these expectations. “There is a lack of solid scientific evidence for a lasting increase in testosterone or a general improvement in physical and mental performance,” she explains to the Erotik.com platform.

In reality, science has already looked into this trend, which has been present on the Internet for several years. A study published in 2025 in the “Journal of Sexual Medicine” examined whether sexual satisfaction changed with voluntary cessation. The result: no statistically significant difference was observed between participants and non-participants in a “No Nut November” challenge.

If the promised benefits aren’t scientifically proven, why are so many people tempted by a month without masturbation? “The challenge offers a clear goal and the feeling of consciously controlling one’s habits,” explains the psychologist. Some men are curious, others want to reduce their pornography consumption or prove to themselves that they can last a month.

For the specialist, what is decisive is knowing what the motivation is. “Do I want to learn something about myself or do I think I need to repress my sexuality? That’s the big difference.”

In fact, a mindful pause can help you question your own behavior. For example, if we masturbate out of desire or simply out of boredom and to relieve stress.

Giving up masturbation can have harmful effects. According to Borbala Rozsnyik, some men may feel more sexual frustration or become obsessed with what they are not allowing themselves to do. The psychologist often hears the problematic phrase “If I masturbate, I am weak.” Those who abandon such a challenge should in no way be ashamed, she emphasizes.

Finally, for the specialist, the frequency of masturbation is not, in itself, a reason to worry. What is decisive is rather whether one can control one’s behavior or whether one neglects one’s relationships and obligations.