Sex educator gives expert tips on completing No Nut November and dealing with 'blue balls'

A sex and relationships educator has spoken out about the best tips and tricks to help stop you exploding out of sexual frustration this No Nut November.

If you didn't quite end up doing Dry January, or mentally prepare yourself in time for Sober October, then fear not, because No Nut November (NNN) is here.

Would you rather give up alcohol or ejaculating for a month? It's certainly a tough question.

If you have decided to take the plunge and abstain from sowing your seed, a sex and relationships educator has all the tips you need to get you through 30 days without splurging.

@HamAuger/ Twitter

There's no doubt about it - having just come out of Sober October myself, also depriving myself of crisps too for double the amount of unhappiness - giving something up for a whole month is tough.

And it's even tougher when it comes to alcohol or not being able to get down and dirty with your partner, your favourite toy, or simply through the power of your own hand - some singletons may be experiencing a dry patch, so no judgement here.

While some argue you're still allowed to masturbate or have sex during NNN - just not reaching bursting point - others are set on being as dedicated as possible and not indulging in any sort of sexually gratifying experiences.

A medical expert may have warned against taking part in NNN, but if you have decided to go ahead - whether it be to simply test yourself or raise a bit of cash for charity - Justin Hancock has lent a helping hand to guide you on your way.

Tutatama/ Alamy Stock Photo

The first tip suggested by Hancock if you're already struggling just three days into the month is to delve deeper into the reasons why you masturbate and try and find replacement activities instead.

Think of all the minutes, hours and days you've potentially spent knocking one out - time which could be spent on cheffing up a nice meal, going to the pub with some mates, reading a book or going for a relaxing stroll.

However, if none of that helps distract from your dirty and despairing mind, then Hancock suggests you pay even more attention to your horn monster - picture your own Connie the Hormone Monstress or Rick from Big Mouth.

By really focusing on the feeling and letting yourself acknowledge it before it then passes, Hancock explains it becomes more of a shrug-your-shoulders sort of occurrence and easier to ignore.

Netflix

If you really can't hack it and have already given in, then maybe you can try and still make the best of the situation and simply reduce how much you let yourself go this month - God loves a trier after all.

Or, as Hancock notes, you could just find a loophole and let yourself orgasm but not ejaculate.

If you are still hanging on strong on day three, but see others dwindling, rally around one another for support - you're going to need it when the 'blue balls/ vulva' hits.

Hancock advises: "The proper term for this is vasocongestion – the best kind of congestion. Masturbation is a way to relieve this vasocongestion, so obviously you might want to avoid that if you’re doing NNN. Thankfully, vasocongestion goes away by itself if you are patient enough. You could also maybe apply a cold flannel to your bits if you like."

So the next time someone uses, 'blue balls' as an excuse to try get you to carry on during sex, tell them where to go.

Topics: Sex and Relationships, Sex Education, Health, Mental Health

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.