For centuries, masturbation has sparked debates and curiosity, leading many to question its impact on various aspects of health, from mental well-being to physical effects such as hair loss. This article aims to demystify these concerns, providing a science-backed exploration of the topic.
One common concern that has surfaced in recent times is whether or not masturbation can lead to hair loss. The internet is full of conflicting information and myths surrounding this topic, leaving many people confused and worried.
In this article, we will delve into the science behind hair loss and masturbation, debunk common myths, and provide you with everything you need to know about this controversial topic.
So, let's get to the bottom of whether masturbation really does cause hair fall or not!
Table of content
Does masturbation cause hair loss?
A widely held but unsubstantiated belief suggests that masturbation leads to hair loss.
However, scientific evidence strongly disputes this, revealing no causal relationship between sexual activity and hair health.
It is true that semen is high in protein, with around 5.04 grams of protein per 100 milliliters of semen.
However, the amount of semen released during ejaculation is typically only 3.3 to 3.7 milliliters, which is a negligible amount of protein loss. Therefore, it is unlikely that frequent masturbation can lead to significant hair problems.
Another theory is that masturbation increases testosterone levels, which, in turn, increase the levels of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a hormone that is associated with hair loss in men.
However, a study conducted in 2001 found that abstaining from masturbation for three weeks actually led to an increase in testosterone levels in adult males.
This suggests that avoiding ejaculation can actually result in higher testosterone levels. So, it looks like masturbation doesn't raise DHT levels or cause hair loss in any way.
In conclusion, there is no scientific proof that masturbation can cause hair loss. It is a myth that has been perpetuated for years, and it is important to understand that there is no correlation between the two.
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What are some benefits of masturbation?
Engaging in masturbation offers several health benefits, impacting both mental and sexual wellness positively.
Far from being harmful, this natural activity is a safe way to explore sexual pleasure and can contribute to reduced stress and improved self-awareness.
Some general benefits of masturbation include:
- Relieve stress: In many cases, masturbation is used as a method of relieving stress or aiding sleep. It is considered a risk-free method of experiencing sexual pleasure since it is not associated with pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Physical health benefits: Both healthy men and women benefit from orgasms, regardless of whether they are experienced alone or with a partner. Men may benefit from orgasms by keeping sperm and semen healthy. Studies published in 2016 report that frequent ejaculations may reduce prostate cancer risk in men.
- Body understanding: Masturbation may help a person better understand what gives them pleasure, helping them become more familiar and comfortable with their body. According to studies, masturbating early in life improves a woman's self-image and results in positive sexual experiences as an adult.
Common masturbation myths
Despite prevalent misconceptions, there's no scientific basis to link excessive masturbation with a range of physical health issues, including hair loss, visual impairments, or fertility problems.
This section debunks some of the most persistent myths surrounding masturbation and hair loss.
It is possible that such myths developed and endured because masturbation was previously viewed as an untouchable topic.
Nevertheless, attitudes are changing, and people are generally more open and willing to discuss sexual health and sex today.
Here are some of the many myths about masturbation and hair loss.
Myth 1: Masturbation makes the body produce DHT
DHT, also known as dihydrotestosterone, is a sex hormone in males and the most significant cause of male pattern baldness.
When DHT binds to hormone receptors, it can shrink the hair follicles around your hairline and crown in men who are genetically prone to male pattern baldness.
As a result, hair thinning and noticeable hair loss occur over time.
So how does DHT connect to masturbation? While doing the deed, multiple hormones, including DHT, are released from the body. This is why many people believe their hair loss results from too much masturbation.
But there is absolutely no connection between hair loss, testosterone production, and any sexual activity, and many studies actually contradict this myth completely!
Read this: How To Reduce Hair Loss With DHT Blocking Foods?
Myth 2: Masturbation decreases protein levels, which causes hair loss
All the organs and muscles in your body, as well as your skin, hair, and nails, depend on protein for their development.
Keratin is a protein that makes up the majority of your hair. The primary key to healthy hair growth is dietary protein, and protein deficiency can result in sudden hair loss, such as telogen effluvium.
The idea behind this masturbation myth is that since the semen that is released after ejaculation is mostly made of protein, every time you masturbate, you lose all healthy nutrients and proteins from your body.
However, the reality is that no matter how many times you masturbate or ejaculate, it does not cause any significant protein loss from your body and has no effect on hair shedding.
Myth 3: Controlling ejaculation is essential for hormonal balance
Masturbation affects the male sex hormone, DHT, which we debunked above, but this myth also claims it affects your body's hormonal balance.
Although sex can affect the levels of certain hormones in your body, it does so in a temporary and non-hair-loss-associated manner.
One of the most important hormones during orgasm and ejaculation is thought to be oxytocin, a peptide hormone that affects the pleasure centers in the brain.
Sex and masturbation are enjoyable due to this reason. Despite this, it isn't linked to hair health or thickness.
Even when you do other pleasurable activities like holding your partner's hand or hugging them, oxytocin is released even then, causing no hormonal imbalance, hair thinning, or hair fall.
What actually triggers hair fall?
Hair loss is typically linked to factors like hormonal imbalances, hereditary conditions, and certain medical treatments, rather than any aspect of one's sexual life, including masturbation.
The common reasons behind excessive hair loss include:
Male pattern baldness
Pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is a genetic disorder and one of the most common reasons behind excessive hair loss.
Those suffering from androgenetic alopecia are genetically susceptible to DHT. Due to DHT exposure, hair follicles shrink, hindering their ability to generate healthy, strong hair and decreasing hair growth.
The American Hair Loss Organization estimates that over 95 percent of men who are 50 or older will experience male pattern baldness (MPB).
Androgenetic alopecia can also affect women, even though they have a lower testosterone level than men. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern baldness, affects half of all women over 65.
Chemotherapy
Despite chemotherapy being traditionally used to treat cancer cells, some compounds can cause hair loss that can reach 90 percent in some patients. The hair should regrow following treatment, so this hair loss is only temporary.
Alopecia areata
Usually, bald patches appear on the head or elsewhere as a result of this type of alopecia. It is an autoimmune condition affecting men, women, and even children.
In some cases, the hairless area stays contained, and the hair may grow back; in other cases, the hair loss may spread across the entire scalp, facial region, and body.
Medication
Hair loss is a common side effect of certain medications, including birth control pills and antidepressants.
Stress and anxiety
The body can experience significant hair loss when under stress, such as during childbirth, when suffering from an infection, or when experiencing anxiety, depression, or being undernourished.
Symptoms usually resolve independently, but some may persist for a long time.
Traction alopecia
When hair is pulled too tight for a long time, it can damage the hair follicles and cause traction alopecia.
People may develop traction alopecia if they wear cornrows, extensions, tight braids, or ponytails for a long time.
How do you treat hair loss effectively?
These are the best & tested treatments can help fight back hair loss, backed by clinical research and testimonials.
From topical solutions to surgical options, understanding these treatments can empower those experiencing hair loss.
1. Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine
Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine is effective and safe for all hair types. The bundle includes three products: shampoo, conditioner, and serum, which all work to help prevent thinning hair and increase the hair density.
Using only vegan and natural ingredients, no side effects are associated with these products.
After just one month of using the products, many customers have seen big changes in their hair, and many have praised the products for finally working after years of trying other treatments that didn't work.
2. Hair loss medications
Certain medications, like minoxidil and finasteride, can help treat hair loss effectively.
Because minoxidil promotes the growth phase of hair follicles, it is the best option for treating hair loss. For quick results, apply the cream daily to the bald area of the scalp and rub it in. However, consulting your doctor before using this medication is essential.
In contrast, finasteride, prescribed for male pattern baldness, is a proven prescription treatment. The primary mechanism of finasteride is to block DHT, a hormone that interferes with hair growth, preventing further hair loss.
This medication must be taken every day. Once you stop taking the pills, hair loss may return.
3. Low-level laser therapy
The treatment of hair loss with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is non-invasive, painless, and safe. In this therapy, light is used to stimulate cells and encourage healthy growth, thereby preventing hair loss.
The effectiveness of LLLT for hair loss is still variable, even though it is costly and time-consuming.
However, some people have seen significant results from the treatment. It may be a good idea to consider LLLT if you're looking for a safe, non-invasive treatment option.
4. Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Hair loss sufferers are increasingly turning to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to solve their problems. In this procedure, blood platelets are removed from the scalp and then reinserted.
The growth factors released from the platelets are then used by the cells to promote healing, resulting in the likelihood of a healthier growth cycle in the next few months.
5. Dermarolling (Microneedling)
A recently popular hair loss treatment, dermarolling, commonly known as micro-needling, involves puncturing tiny holes in the scalp skin with a roller device to increase blood flow and aid in the absorption of topical treatments.
You can perform this treatment at home or with the help of a professional. Also, you should always clean the derma roller after each use to make sure it works well.
Hair growth serums or oils should be used in conjunction with this treatment to stimulate hair growth and increase volume.
6. Hair transplant surgery
One of the most effective solutions to hair loss is a hair transplant. Hair from other parts of your body is surgically removed and implanted in your scalp. The transplant results are usually visible within 12 to 18 months.
However, those with temporary hair loss usually do not undergo this procedure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, masturbation is a healthy and normal activity that positively influences sexual and mental health, with no evidence linking it to hair loss.
By taking decisive action against hair loss from male pattern baldness, such as the Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine, you can maintain your hair well into your 30s, 40s, and 50s.
FAQs
Does NoFap increase hair thickness?
The NoFap movement, which involves abstaining from pornography and masturbation, has various claimed benefits, but there is no scientific evidence to suggest it directly increases hair thickness.
Hair thickness is generally determined by genetics, health, and nutrition. While a healthy lifestyle can contribute to better hair health, abstaining from masturbation has not been scientifically proven to have a direct impact on hair thickness.
Does masturbation cause hormonal imbalance?
Masturbation does not cause hormonal imbalance. It is a natural and common activity that has minimal long-term effects on hormone levels.
While there is a temporary fluctuation in hormones like dopamine and oxytocin during sexual arousal and activity, these changes are short-lived and do not lead to a hormonal imbalance.
It's important to understand that masturbation is a normal part of sexual health and does not adversely affect hormonal health.
