A sudden change in lifestyle may be a difficult feat for some to face on their own, so being with others facing the same dilemma could make it a little bit easier. A group of men on Reddit, an online discussion website, formed a thread encouraging each other on a challenge in their lives: sexual abstinence.

The subreddit “NoFap” takes its name from “fap” the Internet vernacular word for masturbation. The support community calls their participants “Fapstronauts,” encouraging them to abstain from porn/masturbation/orgasm (PMO).

Interested Reddit users are asked to reply on the thread, identifying which among the PMO they are going to abstain from. They will also have to put the length of their abstinence (one month is the default duration but the thread’s moderator recommends 90 days), their goals as well as the reason/s behind their decision to join.

Fapstronauts, finding freedom in a community facing the same challenge, did not hold back in expressing themselves on the “NoFap” thread.

“We don’t masturbate because of the feeling. We masturbate because of the effects the feeling causes. It is the false escape from the tormenting reality; an elixir disguised as eternal youth,” wrote one Reddit user, victoryisnearforme, pondering on the reason why he had to pleasure himself. “For me, this reason is a need for companionship.”

Some shared the positive effect of sexual abstinence in their lives. One Fapstronaut said “NoFap” helped him lose 80 pounds.

Another claimed that sexual abstinence helped him become more energetic, more disciplined and more concentrated.

One Fapstronaut stated that his view on women changed because of “NoFap.”

“I no longer look at these women on Instagram showing off their half-naked bodies and think it’s a good thing or get aroused,” wrote Reddit user mega54435. “I think I’m finally on the path to recovery. I’m starting to see people for how they are rather than how they look.”

A Fapstronaut who managed to complete the recommended 90 days said the challenge made him realize PMO is “not worth it.” He also noted that since he found no good effect of masturbating, he will continue being a Fapstronaut for the rest of his life.

A Reddit user shared a quote by St. Augustine to help his fellow Fapstronauts who are having a hard time abiding by sexual abstinence: “Conquer yourself and the world lies at your feet.”

“In times of struggle, I turn to the literature of my heroes for guidance,” shared one Fapstronaut, dzap1963. “Here is a quote that has always helped me stay centered, keeping my eyes fixed on the goals I set out for myself. I’m posting this in the hope that it may help some of you — even if in the smallest way.” NVG

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