Engaging in the 30-day challenge known as No Nut November, a viral phenomenon that originated from a 2011 Reddit post, has led millions of men to experiment with semen retention—the practice of avoiding ejaculation in any form, including no sex and no masturbation. However, according to urologist and pelvic surgeon Dr. Rena Malik, M.D., the practice is surrounded by numerous scientific misconceptions regarding its purported benefits. Dr. Rena Malik, M.D. clarifies what actually happens when men abstain from ejaculation, emphasizing that it is crucial to separate scientific fact from viral fiction.
Dr. Rena Malik, M.D. begins by addressing claims that semen retention boosts testosterone. In all scientific literature, only two small studies have examined testosterone levels during abstinence, involving just 10 men and 29 men. While one study observed a testosterone increase after three weeks of abstinence, this was likely driven by an "anticipatory cue"—the young, healthy participants knew they would be allowed to watch pornography and masturbate at the study’s conclusion. This anticipation causes the brain to spike sex hormones, literally preparing the body for a sexual reward. A second study found a testosterone increase after seven days, but it quickly dropped back down. Dr. Malik concludes that even if an increase occurs, it is extremely short-lived and likely driven by anticipation, not the retention itself.
Another major myth Dr. Rena Malik, M.D. tackles is the claim that semen retention improves fertility. This belief is contradicted by research showing that semen quality actually declines the longer a person abstains, particularly after five to seven days without ejaculation. Studies indicate that prolonged abstinence leads to increased DNA fragmentation, reduced movement (motility), and a worse shape or morphology of the sperm. Therefore, if couples are trying to conceive, prolonged abstinence actually works against them.
What Really Happens After 30 Days of No Nut November
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However, there is one claim that science confirms: abstaining from ejaculation does increase semen volume. Systematic reviews analyzing multiple studies confirm that longer abstinence equals more volume. Yet, this increase comes with limitations. Semen volume rises by approximately 12% per day during the first four days, but the rate of change slows significantly thereafter. This is because the body naturally begins reabsorbing the semen that is not ejaculated—it doesn't just build indefinitely.
Furthermore, Dr. Rena Malik, M.D. notes the natural physiological process that often "ruins the whole challenge": wet dreams, or nocturnal emissions. Wet dreams are the body's "automatic reset button" and are a completely normal physiological response that is out of a person's control. Dr. Malik specifically takes issue with communities that treat a wet dream as a "failure" during challenges like No Nut November, emphasizing that individuals should not worry, as it is completely normal.
For men genuinely trying to maximize semen volume or sperm health, Dr. Rena Malik, M.D. advises that four to five days is the "sweet spot". For couples trying to conceive, Dr. Malik generally recommends having sex every other day during the fertile window around ovulation to optimize both the volume and quality of the semen.
Ultimately, Dr. Rena Malik, M.D. wants people to take away that semen retention is surrounded by numerous myths that claim to enhance testosterone, fertility, and "god knows what else". The reality is that while volume might increase slightly, the body has natural limits, and retaining semen for 30 days will not grant a "magical superpower". Individuals participating in No Nut November, whether for the community or curiosity, should know what is truly happening in their bodies.
