What happens to your body if you don't masturbate for a month as people prepare for challenge

The 'No Nut November' (NNN) challenge is almost upon us - so we'll go through the purported benefits of not jerking off.

NNN is pretty much a meme-driven trend (involving mostly men) that's started to gain traction on forums like Reddit over the past few years.

By avoiding sexual release for 30 days, it is partly seen as a way of testing willpower and self-discipline for the whole month of November.

While some participants think of it as a fun challenge, or a way to reset habits, others are keen to join to help improve their focus or energy.

You may have also heard of the movement NoFap, which ties in with NNN.

It argues that pornography can cause compulsive or addictive sexual behavior.

According to NoFap.com, its supporters may aim to completely avoid masturbation to help stop them using porn uncontrollably, especially when it starts to affect their personal life.

Million of men around the world are said to take part in the trend (Getty Stock Images)

Those who abstain from masturbation say it can:

• help them pay more attention to their relationships

• reduce their reliance on pornography

• improve their focus and mental clarity

• free up time and energy for other activities

The 'benefits' of 'No Nut November'

A temporary break from porn can lead to benefits, according to NNN participants (Getty Stock Images)

We do know that it is possible to break an addiction by quitting for just one month.

When it comes to NNN, fans of the online movement believe it can lead to the following benefits:

• greater muscle development

• better stamina

• thicker, healthier hair

• higher sperm quality

• lower stress levels

• less anxiety

• better concentration

• an improvement self-discipline

• higher sex drive

• fewer issues with erectile dysfunction

But with all that said, experts warn that there isn't enough research to back up those claims.

The problem with 'No Nut November'

Oxford Online Pharmacy states: "There is not enough reliable evidence to prove the reported benefits of No Nut November."

But they add: "Just as there is insufficient evidence to assert that No Nut November is good for you, there is not enough research to confirm that it is bad, either."

Some research, the pharmacy wrote, suggested regular ejaculation may be good for sperm quality. But most benefits are not necessarily proved through research.

"Anecdotal benefits of ejaculation include reduced stress, better sleep quality, improved mental health and, if having regular sex with a partner, improved relationships."

Although the pharmacy noted that there is no problem with taking part in NNN if 'you don’t have any physical or mental health problems that may be impacted by it', they urge you to contact your doctor if you think you might be addicted to masturbation - or to porn, or to sex.

"Similarly, if you are worried about low testosterone levels, are concerned about your sperm quality or you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, professional guidance is the safest course of action," they added.