My 4 reasons not to beat your meat and common tribulations + new social behavior which come with NoFap and just some advice to people who do is without any goals from NoFap Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America: “A red meat-derived glycan promotes inflammation and cancer progression.” Show National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: “Inflammation.” MD Anderson Center: “Processed meat and cancer: What you need to know.” Frontiers in Nutrition: “The Effects of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets on Gut Microbiota.” Cell Host & Microbe: “The Impact of Dietary Fiber on Gut Microbiota in Host Health and Disease.” USDA: “Vary Your Protein Routine,” “Shop Smart,” “Fruit and Vegetable Prices.” Mayo Clinic: “Iron deficiency anemia.” FDA: “Interactive Nutrition Facts Label: Protein.” Cleveland Clinic: “Improving Your Health With Fiber.” Diabetes Care: “A Prospective Study of Red Meat Consumption and Type 2 Diabetes in Middle-Aged and Elderly Women.” JAMA Network: “Changes in Red Meat Consumption and Subsequent Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.” American Heart Association: “What is a Serving?” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “Heart-Healthy Living.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “Dining Out for Vegetarians,” “Does My Child Need a Supplement?” Vegetarian Society: “Eat to Beat Climate Change.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Changes in Body Weight in Clinical Trials of Vegetarian Diets.” NoFap is an anti-masturbation movement. Supporters say avoiding masturbation for prolonged periods improves their lives and sexuality. Some people may join for religious or ethical reasons, or because they worry about the effects of masturbation on their lives. The NoFap movement endorses a specific understanding of masturbation and human sexuality. It argues that pornography is harmful. NoFap suggests that avoiding masturbation can help people regain control over their lives and avoid compulsive or addictive sexual behavior. This article explores the potential risks and benefits of avoiding masturbation, and how NoFap differs from the practice of semen retention. Purported benefits of avoiding masturbation
NoFap.com argues that people can avoid compulsive sexual behavior and break porn or sex addiction by avoiding masturbation. Supporters of avoiding masturbation claim it:
Some say it has more extreme benefits, such as depression relief or overall health improvements. People who feel guilty about masturbation or spend significant time masturbating may find avoiding it offers time for other activities, which may improve health. However, no scientific evidence suggests masturbation is harmful. Additionally, no studies state that avoiding masturbation offers any specific benefit. A2015 case studynotes that some evidence may suggest there is a link between masturbation and poorer mental health. However, this research says other studies consider it is a healthy behavior that improves mood. While some people may experience guilt following masturbation, perhaps due to cultural or religious beliefs, it is not a reason to feel shame. Masturbation is a common and normal habit. It only becomes an issue if interferes with work, social life, and regular activities. The belief that sex and pornography addiction are common is at the core of the NoFap anti-masturbation movement. While someresearchsuggests pornography addiction is real, many dispute this idea. For example, both the American Psychiatric Association and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders do not recognize porn addiction as an official diagnosis. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists also argue that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the existence of sex or porn addiction. Risks of avoiding masturbationThere are no real health risks associated with not masturbating, though some people may find it challenging and frustrating, triggering moodiness or irritation. In some cases, it may also cause epididymal hypertension. While there may be no immediate health risks, research consistently documents numerous health benefits associated with masturbation. People who choose not to masturbate could miss out on these benefits, which include:
Additionally, some research suggests regular ejaculation, through masturbation or sex, may provide health benefits. A2016 studyfound regular ejaculation may lower the risk of prostate cancer. Ejaculating more than 21 times per month offered the most benefits, compared to those who ejaculated less frequently. However, the study looked at middle-aged males who were self-reporting, so these findings may not apply to everyone. More research is needed to conclusively demonstrate a link between frequent ejaculation and lower prostate cancer risk. NoFap vs. semen retentionNoFap urges people to stop masturbating, especially to pornography. This is in contrast to semen retention, the practice of masturbating without ejaculating. Some semen retention supporters argue that it offers improvements to health, such as improved fertility or better quality sperm. However, there is no evidence that semen retention provides any medical benefit. Others promote the technique as a form of mindfulness that can heighten sexual pleasure or give people greater orgasm control. Some also use semen retention to learn how to orgasm without ejaculating. Research suggests that being able to orgasm without ejaculating makes it easier for people to have multiple orgasms. However, there are no rigorous scientific studies that investigate the practice or established strategies for multiple orgasms. When to see a doctorMasturbation is not a medical problem. People do not need to see a doctor because they masturbate or choose not to. However, those with specific questions about masturbation should consult a sex-positive doctor or therapist. People should consider seeing a doctor if they are:
SummaryMasturbation is a normal and harmless sexual practice that can be part of a healthful sex life. It even offers some health benefits. However, if it begins to interfere with a person’s daily life, they may consider trying to stop or masturbating less frequently. People who want to stop masturbating can get support from the NoFap community, but there is generally no medical or moral reason to cease. A person who feels pressure to stop masturbating should consider their own values. It is their decision if they masturbate or not, and how often they do it. |