“No Fap is Crap!”

QUESTION:

What’s all this “no fap” crap?

RESPONSE:

In my opinion it is unmitigated crap! Maybe not 100%, but mostly. As far as I know, this is mostly an anti-masturbation trend, which surprises me in the 21st Century when most people have far more access to information about virtually everything via the Internet. Unfortunately, though the online world can be a blessing in many ways, it also allows a lot of misinformation to flourish.

Evidently there are several different interpretations and so-called reasonings behind “no-fap,” which derives from a slang term for male masturbation: “fap.” The belief is that pornography can be harmful, and the best way to deal with this is to abstain from exposure to porn, choosing not to masturbate. For some, this extends to abstention from partnered sex, at least for a time.

In truth if you depend constantly on porn for your arousal, you may indeed experience some limiting effects. Some evidence suggests that you may even de-sensitize the pleasure-centers in your brain, leading to erectile dysfunction. However, total abstention may not be the best approach, even if you find yourself in a limiting “addiction” to porn. More basically, “no fap” seems to revolve around antiquated and inaccurate beliefs surrounding both male masturbation and sexuality in general.

Until the early 18th century, for the most part male masturbation was largely ignored, assumed to be something male humans inevitably did. It was not openly condemned in major ways. Then a particular pamphlet suggesting that masturbation could cause mental illness and death appeared, apparently first, on the streets of London. From this dark watershed, a river delta of anti-masturbation propaganda arose like flood waters that swept away reasonable attitudes on the subject for over two centuries. And “no fap” is the latest resurge of such nonsense!

False medical information proliferated. Also, misinterpretations of religious texts were used to condemn male masturbation in particular. (Female self-pleasure largely flew under the radar, considered unspeakable, though it’s probably just about as common!) The Biblical story of Onan, which is actually about coitus interruptus and not masturbation at all, was cited as a reason that male masturbation should be condemned. Further foolishness!

The current “no fap” movement gets many things backwards, by suggesting that avoiding masturbation may help males be happier, more confident, less stressed and anxious, more in control of their lives. In truth these benefits are actually among the good effects of a shameless, guilt-free embrace of a healthy masturbation habit. As I said, porn is not always the best source of inspiration, but it is common and benign with some moderation.

Yes, anything you feel genuinely “addicted” to may be questionable if it interferes with other important and healthy parts of your life. But a natural obsession with masturbation as a male is not likely to cause any such problems. Better to work on improving the quality of your masturbation skills, than to slip into such delusional thinking!

A note from The Batemaster: I’m honored that the guys at Bateworld have asked me to respond to some questions from male masturbators around the world every week.

Always check with your doctor about any issues you might be experiencing with your sexual organs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important. This article’s purpose is to inform and entertain readers and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.