We spoke to a freshman taking part in Illinois’ ‘No-Fap February’

Whether or not you accept it as a dignified pastime, masturbation is undoubtedly a very real part of many young mens’ lives. In a 2009 National Survey of Sexual Health, 83 per cent of 20-24 year-old-men reported that they had  masturbated in the past year. With the instant connection to an endless supply of online pornographic videos, some young men might find it difficult to stave off their desire to “jack off” for even a week.

Jordan, a freshman in political science, is one of those young men. But that hasn’t stopped him from trying his best.

On Feb. 1, Jordan was added into a UIUC Facebook Group called No-Fap February. Part group therapy, part group torment, No-Fap February is outlined by a specific set of rules: all members must refrain from climaxing (nocturnal emissions excluded) for the entire month, and all losers must publicly admit their defeat to the entire group with creative and descriptive bravado (see pictures below). Having just fapped moments before entering the group, he was pretty confident about his chances at the time.

“I thought this is the perfect opportunity to do a little experimentation,” Jordan said. “Obviously you’re in college, you want to experiment. It was odd, of course, it would be the exact opposite of sexual experimentation by abstaining completely from it, any sort of touching of your genitals at all.”

The group, which started with 108 competitors, has been brought down to 13 as of February 17. Our celibate freshman has been able to maintain his streak, but not without noticeable side effects. This virile crusader said he had never gone more than two weeks without wanking since he started in sixth grade.

“It’s getting a little weird, it’s actually getting really weird,” he said. “I’m going to make a bold statement, it’s probably the closest thing I will ever come to having any sort of PMS symptoms, just sort of general uncomfortableness, mood swings, lots of mood swings, just kind of ups and downs . . . and also just being really horny, like getting all hot and bothered by just about anything with two X chromosomes.”

Jordan said he’s been able to stave off his urges to climax by resorting to the risky process of edging.  Things like exercise and meticulous hygiene have helped to keep his body occupied with other matters.  He also attributes his success to his competitive nature. As more members drop out of the race, the more emboldened he feels about his abstention.
“It’s one of the things that helps you keep going, when you see other people drop out and laugh at their witty speeches, you’re just like, ‘I’m still in this thing. It’s just the fuel I need,’” he said.

“Maybe I’m just a narcissist who feeds off other peoples’ failures, but I don’t know, it means you can pull through. Of course, we are only half way through the month of February right now, so everything’s up for grabs, especially my junk.”

Jordan also noted the possible benefits of abstaining from fapping. Jordan said the increased testosterone has made him more willing to seek sexual partners. Hoping for what he calls “extra innings,” Jordan vowed the next time he relieves himself will not be on a solo mission. Even if it means spilling over into March, Jordan will attempt to finish with a partner.

“Obviously if you’re jacking off all the time, you might not feel the pressure as much when you’re in the presence of the opposite sex,” he said. “Keeping your balls full might give you a little incentive to swing for the fences.”