Every November, the "No Nut November" challenge, which involves abstaining from ejaculation for thirty days, experiences a surge in popularity on social media. Among the arguments put forward by its proponents is a supposed dramatic increase in testosterone after seven days of abstinence. However, this claim is based primarily on a scientific study published in 2003 and then retracted in 2021.
"No Nut November," literally the month of November without ejaculation, has become a recurring phenomenon on the internet. Originating in online communities before spreading to social media, this challenge invites participants to abstain from masturbation and sexual intercourse leading to ejaculation for the entire month. While some approach it with humor, others see it as a way to improve their self-discipline, concentration, or physical performance. The issue of testosterone is central to the discussions. Numerous publications claim that a week of abstinence is enough to cause a nearly 45% increase in this hormone, often associated with libido, muscle development, and certain reproductive functions.
This claim originates from a study published in 2003 in the Journal of Zhejiang University Science . Researchers tracked testosterone levels in men during a period of ejaculatory abstinence. According to the initially reported results, testosterone concentrations peaked on the seventh day, reaching approximately 145,7% of the baseline level. This figure was subsequently widely repeated in videos, forums, and self-help content. However, the scientific article was retracted in 2021. Therefore, it can no longer be considered reliable scientific evidence of the existence of this hormonal peak.
A viral belief that surpasses scientific knowledge
The retraction of this publication significantly weakens one of the most frequently used arguments to promote "No Nut November." This doesn't mean that abstinence has no effect on the body, but the available research doesn't support the claim that it leads to a significant and sustained increase in testosterone. Concentrations of this hormone naturally fluctuate throughout the day and can vary depending on sleep, health status, and many other factors. Some studies have examined hormonal variations related to sexual activity or abstinence, but none have established that a prolonged period without ejaculation is an effective method for sustainably increasing testosterone levels.
The success of this theory also illustrates how scientific data can continue to circulate long after its source has been questioned. On social media, the figure of 45% is regularly presented without mention of the retraction of the original study, giving a contested claim the appearance of an established result. For healthcare professionals, it is important to distinguish between personal choices regarding sexuality and the medical benefits attributed to them. Voluntary abstinence is not necessarily problematic in itself, but no solid evidence supports the promise of a dramatic hormonal boost after seven days without ejaculation. On the occasion of "No Nut November," this distinction serves as a reminder that a popular claim, even accompanied by a specific percentage, does not necessarily constitute scientific truth.
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