(Photo Credits: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB from Shutterstock)

Some men mark November with a mustache; others mark it by keeping their pants zipped. The internet’s favorite endurance test, “No Nut November,” is once again tempting—or torturing—those brave enough to try abstaining from sex and masturbation for 30 days. But when one gay man asked online, “Is anyone doing the No Nut November Challenge?” the responses poured in fast. For some, it’s all in good fun; for others, it’s an impossible (and unnecessary) mission.

No Nut November, or NNN, as it’s often called, is an internet-born tradition that challenges men to abstain from sex, masturbation, and orgasm for the entire month of November. Originally launched as a meme on Reddit around 2011, it grew into a viral test of discipline and masculinity, with men from all walks of life sharing their progress (or, more often, their hilarious failures).

But while the idea caught on quickly among straight men, the reaction from the gay community tends to be… less enthusiastic, like for this one gay man who shared, “I tried it once. I lasted 25 hours.” Another laughed, “Last year I lasted about 60 seconds, so I’m hoping to do better than that this year.” Others questioned the point of the challenge entirely, saying, “Why would I? Nutting feels so good,” or “Why would you do it anyway?” Some gay men added a twist: one explained that he was “ending Locktober a bit later, on November 5 or 6,” and planned to hold out until a mid-November bathhouse visit, saying he hadn’t “nutted since October 1st.”

Not everyone dismissed the idea. A few saw it as a form of sexual mindfulness or a way to explore edging and control. “I’m doing it, but not because it’s a thing,” one guy said. “I’m into edging anyway, so it can be fun. Just don’t take it too seriously or brag about doing it to ‘reset’—that’s weird.” Another gay man noted that the whole concept feels “like a straight thing,” while others joked about joining in “for science.” The comments revealed a split between those curious about self-control and those who just see pleasure as something worth enjoying daily especially when there’s no real reason not to.

So, is there actually any benefit to No Nut November?

Well, a recent study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine “revealed no significant differences between participants and non-participants across all measured metrics, revealing no scientific evidence backing up the internet hype surrounding NNN.” However, the study “observed that individuals who had previously participated in the NNN challenge reported higher levels of sexual flexibility, suggesting a potential predisposing factor that may draw them to such trends.”

Conversely, multiple studies suggest that regular ejaculation is linked to better prostate health. Research published in journals such as European Urology and JAMA Network found that men who ejaculated more frequently, around 21 times or more per month, had a significantly lower risk of developing prostate cancer. The theory is that regular ejaculation helps flush out toxins, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation within the prostate gland.

Frequent release also benefits mental health. Orgasms trigger a cocktail of feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins that can reduce stress, promote better sleep, and even boost immune function. On the flip side, long-term abstinence can sometimes lead to frustration, mood swings, and even pelvic tension. For gay men, sexual expression often connects deeply to identity, intimacy, and self-acceptance—so going an entire month without release can feel like denying a part of that.

That said, a little self-control never hurts. No Nut November, at its best, can be a chance to reflect on habits, desire, and self-awareness. It might make you appreciate pleasure more consciously—or just confirm that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it freely. Whether you’re “edging for the experience,” counting the hours since your last orgasm, or laughing off the whole thing as hetero nonsense, what matters most is understanding your own relationship with sex and pleasure.

Having said all that, what about you, Adam4Adam blog readers? Would you ever try No Nut November just to see if you could make it—or do you think it’s a silly internet stunt best left alone? Have you ever abstained for a stretch of time? Did it change how you felt, physically or mentally? Or do you believe, as many do, that regular release is just plain good for you? Comment down below, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

4 8 votes
Article Rating