As No Nut November returns, many men are gearing up for a month of abstinence — but science says otherwise.

While the internet praises self-control, a groundbreaking Harvard study suggests something surprising: regular release may save lives. Researchers found that men who ejaculated more often had a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer — up to 20% less for those with 21 orgasms a month.

“It’s one of those rare cases where pleasure and prevention go hand in hand,” one researcher joked when discussing the 2016 findings published in European Urology. The study followed nearly 32,000 men for 18 years — and the results were clear: frequent ejaculation supports prostate health, especially against low-risk cancers.

Prostate cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men, behind lung cancer. Yet something as natural as sexual release could help protect the gland that’s too often ignored.

Meanwhile, newer studies show that a month of abstinence — like during No Nut November — doesn’t actually improve mental or physical well-being. So perhaps moderation, not restriction, is the real key.

Because when it comes to men’s health, sometimes the simplest acts of self-care make the biggest difference.