A growing online movement that urges men to abstain from pornography and masturbation may be having unintended psychological and physiological consequences, according to research published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Sexualities. The study, led by UCLA neuroscientist Nicole Prause and London South Bank University psychology lecturer James Binnie, surveyed 587 men who identified with the so-called NoFap movement, which has gained traction alongside the proliferation of internet porn.
The findings, which were preregistered to ensure methodological rigor, paint a troubling picture: nearly 30% of respondents reported experiencing suicidal thoughts after what they called a “relapse” — that is, breaking their commitment to abstain from masturbation or porn. The study also found that the more men participated in NoFap forums, the more likely they were to report depression, anxiety, and even erectile dysfunction, a condition the movement claims to help resolve.
At its core, NoFap promotes the idea that abstaining from porn and masturbation can “reset” a person’s sex drive and help overcome addiction to online adult content. For many, the movement offers a supportive community and a structured path toward what they see as healthier sexuality. However, the new research suggests that the intense shame associated with “relapsing” may outweigh the intended benefits.
The study’s authors note a concerning pattern: men who were most engaged with NoFap forums were less likely to seek professional help for their mental health struggles. This correlation, they suggest, may be due to the forums reinforcing a cycle of guilt and self-blame, rather than encouraging participants to reach out to therapists or counselors.
Why Forum Participation May Be Counterproductive
One of the more striking findings is the link between forum activity and erectile dysfunction. While the NoFap program is often marketed as a cure for ED, the study found that men who spent more time on these forums reported higher instances of the condition. This could be due to heightened anxiety around performance and the pressure to succeed in the program, the researchers hypothesize.
“The shame and self-criticism that accompany a relapse appear to be significant factors in the negative outcomes we observed,” the researchers wrote, though they caution that the study is preliminary and more research is needed to establish causation.
The study’s preregistration — a process where researchers outline their hypotheses and methods in advance to reduce bias — adds credibility to the findings, which are based on self-reported data from a self-selected sample. As such, the results may not be generalizable to all men who engage with NoFap, but they offer a valuable glimpse into the potential downsides of the movement.
This research comes at a time when online affinity groups are playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping human sexuality and health behaviors. The authors suggest that understanding how these communities influence mental and physical well-being is crucial, especially as more people turn to the internet for advice on intimate matters.
While the study does not prove that NoFap causes these adverse effects, it highlights the need for a more nuanced conversation about the movement’s impact. For now, the researchers urge men who experience distress related to NoFap to consider seeking professional support, rather than relying solely on online forums.
