What is NoFap and Is It Worth the Sacrafice?

Some of the physical benefits shared by NoFappers are:

• higher energy levels
• muscle growth
• better sleep
• improved focus and concentration
• better physical performance and stamina
• improved or cured erectile dysfunction
• improved sperm quality

There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence within the NoFap community. Many members are happy to share the rewards they’ve reaped from giving up masturbation or porn.

There may be a placebo effect at play, meaning that people join the community expecting a certain outcome and make it happen.

Abstaining from ejaculating for a few days may increase testosterone and improve sperm quality. However, there isn’t any research to back the other claims associated with not masturbating.

shows that masturbation in childhood and adolescence among females is associated with a healthy self-image and positive sexual experiences later in life.

Some more physical and mental health benefits that have been linked to masturbation include:

• improved mood
• better sleep
• stress and tension relief
• relief from menstrual cramps
• lower risk of prostate cancer (research is ongoing to explore this link)

While there isn’t as much research around pornography, some evidence points to it having potential benefits.

Interestingly, many of the benefits of porn noted in one such study are a lot of the same ones NoFappers report experiencing after giving up porn.

Male and female participants in the study reported that hardcore pornography was beneficial to their sex lives and perceptions and attitudes toward sex, members of the opposite sex, and life in general. And the more they watched, the stronger the benefits.

Not sure if you’re dealing with a compulsive behavior around masturbation or pornography?

Check for these common signs:

• a preoccupation with sex, masturbation, or porn that interferes with your daily life
• an inability to control or stop a behavior
• lying to cover your behavior
• obsessive, ongoing sexual thoughts and fantasies
• experiencing negative consequences because of your behavior, personally or professionally
• feeling remorse or guilt after partaking in the behavior

Just be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns.

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.