You’ve probably come across No Nut November before — that viral trend where people take on the challenge of holding off on any solo pleasure for 30 days as a test of willpower and discipline.
But what if you didn’t stop just for a month? What if you decided to quit pleasuring yourself permanently?
Now, experts say that stopping all kinds of solo sexual activity could have both upsides and downsides, depending on how your body and mind respond.
This interesting conversation recently resurfaced because Madison Prewett, a former contestant on The Bachelor, opened up about her 10-year battle with what she personally refers to as ‘sexual sin’ — and her decision to break free from it.
Now a mom, she explained that for many years she felt overwhelmed with shame and kept her struggles completely hidden from the people closest to her.
In the end, it was the love and encouragement she received from a spiritual support system — along with her renewed faith — that helped her break free from what she saw as an addiction.
“And thankfully, by the grace of God, and by the power of the Godly community and people around me, I have been free from porn and masturbation for…I don’t even know, 10 years?”
So, what really happens to your mind and body when you decide to stop masturbating altogether?
Our bodies
The first noticeable change when someone gives up masturbation tends to show up physically — and not always in a pleasant way.
For women, Psych2Go explains that they might experience more tension in their pelvic area. That’s because regular sexual activity helps promote blood circulation in that region, which encourages relaxation and supports overall pelvic health.
But don’t worry — it’s not something that can’t be managed. There are other simple and helpful ways to reduce tension, like doing light stretches or relaxing exercises.
When it comes to men, the body sometimes compensates in different ways. One of those ways is through wet dreams. Research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who avoid ejaculation for extended periods are more likely to experience these involuntary nighttime releases.
Our brains
You might also notice some mental and emotional shifts, which can vary widely. This is because when we masturbate and climax, our brains release dopamine — that feel-good chemical. Taking a break from it might actually offer a temporary mental lift, Psych2Go suggests.
In fact, one study revealed that men who abstained for a full week experienced a noticeable increase in testosterone. This spike was linked to higher energy levels and greater self-confidence.
However, going too long without any release could backfire for some. You might start to feel more anxious, easily annoyed, or even more sexually frustrated than before.
Dating and relationships
Psych2Go highlights that some people who stop masturbating find themselves pouring more energy into their relationships or dating life. This often leads to a deeper emotional connection and a more intense experience of intimacy with their partner.
There are claims that giving up solo pleasure can enhance attraction and build stronger bonds — though much of that feedback is based on personal stories rather than solid data.
That said, a review in Sexual Medicine Reviews points out that regular masturbation can be beneficial too. It helps people become more aware of their own bodies and eases performance anxiety, which may result in more comfortable and enjoyable partnered sex.
Focus or frustration?
Some fans of the NoFap movement believe that stepping away from masturbation can lead to sharper focus, stronger drive, and more personal discipline.
But science doesn’t totally agree across the board. While certain studies show improved mental clarity, others reveal that trying to block sexual thoughts can make you think about them even more.
At the end of the day, building self-control is definitely possible — and it doesn’t always have to mean completely eliminating pleasure from your life.
Our view on sex
Choosing to abstain from masturbation can also affect how we view sex and emotional intimacy.
Some people say they feel more in charge of their sexual urges, while others describe a kind of emotional disconnect — like a part of who they are is missing or silenced.
Research published in the Journal of Sex Research found that long periods without self-pleasure can actually change the way people relate to intimacy. For some, it brings about a deeper respect for emotional closeness, while for others, it might lead to frustration or even guilt.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to masturbation — and the impact of abstaining from it can vary from person to person, based on mindset, health, and even relationships.
What’s clear is that people like Madison Prewett are opening up the conversation, helping to destigmatize the topic, and showing that it’s okay to talk about personal struggles — especially ones that feel uncomfortable or hard to admit.