No Nut November: What Happens After 7 Days of Not Ejaculating?

Every November, a trend called No Nut November (NNN) pops up online. Men voluntarily abstain from ejaculation for the whole month. No intercourse, no masturbation, no ending orgasms with ejaculation. On the surface, it seems harmless, just a personal challenge. But when you hold off on normal sexual release, your body and mind might respond in unexpected ways. 

To understand what happens after roughly a week of no ejaculation, we spoke with Dr Reena Gupta, Senior Consultant in Fertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, about the physical, sexual and mental sides of this challenge.

Physical, Mental, and Sexual Impacts of No Nut November

Dr Gupta explains, “There is no evidence that abstaining from ejaculation for a month causes long-term harm or benefits to your health. However, temporarily, stress levels may rise, and couples might face some challenges due to a lack of intimacy. Some men experience ‘orgasm without ejaculation,’ where blood flow increases in the pelvic area without release. This can cause temporary pain or discomfort in the testes or pelvic region if repeated often.”

ALSO READ: No Nut November: Check Its History, Purpose, and Potential Health Benefits for Men

What Happens After 7 Days of Not Ejaculating?

Dr Gupta adds, “During sexual activity, there is increased blood supply to the pelvic organs if you do [orgasm without ejaculation] often, there may be pain in your pelvic area.” Here are some of the key effects you might notice after about 7 days:

• Increased restlessness, heightened sexual thoughts or urges.
• Possible discomfort in the pelvic area or testes, especially if orgasm is reached but ejaculation is withheld. 
• Changes in your mood or tension in your relationship due to mismatched expectations or frustration.
• On the fertility side, Dr Gupta says, “After a month, there may be less number of motile or live sperms in your semen. So the fertility may decline for a month or so after your NNN month.”
• In short, after 7 days, you’re unlikely to see dramatic changes, but you may begin to feel subtle physical and mood-based effects.

What Does Science Say About No Nut November?

There’s interesting research around how ejaculatory abstinence affects semen parameters. For example, a study found that longer abstinence appears to be associated with increases in semen volume and total sperm count, but results about sperm motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation were contradictory and inconclusive. 

What this tells us is: While holding off ejaculation may increase the sheer volume and count of sperm, it may not improve how well they move or their functional quality. Dr Gupta also note that a possible decline in motile/live sperm after a month aligns with these findings in a broader sense.

Mental, Sexual and Relationship Dimensions to Consider

Dr Gupta highlights, “Since we know that getting involved in sex and masturbation de-stresses you. If you are abstaining for the whole month, your stress levels can go high.”

Here’s how this may play out:

• Sex and orgasm release hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which help mood and bonding. Skipping ejaculation means you might miss out on those hormonal benefits.
• Couples where one partner opts in and the other doesn’t may face a mismatch or tension.
• For people who were relying on ejaculation as a way to relieve sexual tension or stress, skipping forces other coping mechanisms.
• If you frequently push orgasm without ejaculation (which some do in NNN), physical discomfort may creep in: prolonged pelvic engorgement, testicular discomfort, awkwardness during sleep or exercise.

So, Should You Participate? What To Ask Yourself

If you’re thinking of trying No Nut November, it’s wise to be deliberate. Dr Gupta suggests asking:

• Am I doing this for personal discipline, moral reasons or peer pressure?
• Do I have realistic expectations (for instance, that this will boost fertility or energy)?
• How will this affect my mood, sexual health and my partner’s feelings?
• If after a week you feel more stressed, less connected, or uncomfortable, it might be better to stop and prioritise health and relationship harmony.

ALSO READ: What Is No Nut November? Expert Explains If Holding Sperm Betters Sexual Health

Conclusion

No Nut November is largely safe for physically healthy men. But as Dr Reena Gupta points out, there’s no solid evidence of long-term health or fertility benefits from a month’s abstinence. What you might experience are short-term shifts in mood, relationship dynamics, and even sperm activity. If you choose to try it, go in with full awareness, honest expectations and open communication with your partner. After all, your overall well-being is the real goal and not just ticking off a challenge.