Masturbation generally isn’t something most people openly talk about. Due to this, there are a lot of myths out there surrounding masturbation, with people believing these to be true, even when they are not. So, what about masturbation and hair loss – is there any link there?
Can Masturbating Cause Hair Loss?
No. There is currently zero scientific evidence to suggest that masturbating and hair loss have any link. It is one of those widely spread myths that doesn’t contain even an ounce of truth, so you don’t want to worry about losing your hair due to masturbation.
Where Do the Myths Surrounding Masturbation and Hair Loss Come From?
Why do people ask the question, “Can masturbating cause hair loss?” in the first place? There are a couple of theories, which we’ll dive into below.
An Increase in Testosterone
An increase in DHT can lead to male pattern baldness. This has led some people to believe that masturbation causes hair loss, as they think that masturbating increases testosterone levels. However, that simply is not true. While there might be a slight increase in testosterone levels after masturbation, this will never be enough to cause hair loss. The link between DHT levels and hair loss tends to be genetic, and there are hair treatment options like finasteride for this problem.
A Loss of Protein
It’s well known that semen contains protein, and the process of masturbation leads to the ejaculation of semen. This likely led to people believing that too much masturbation meant the body didn’t hang on to the protein it needed, in turn, resulting in hair loss. There is no scientific evidence to back this “fact” up. The amount of protein lost from ejaculation is pretty minimal, with the average ejaculation containing around 252mg of protein. [1] If you are worried about a protein deficiency, you should focus more on your diet or speak to a doctor – keeping in mind that your protein levels definitely aren’t linked to masturbation.
Other Myths About Masturbation
It’s not just hair loss – there are tons of myths about masturbation out there!
Excessive Hair Growth
Yes – there is also the myth that masturbation can lead to an increase in body hair. Specifically, the myth states that masturbating will cause a person to experience hairy palms. There is absolutely no evidence to back this up.
A Low Sperm Count
Some people worry that masturbating too often may lead to a lower sperm count, affecting their chances of having a baby. However, this isn’t the case – your sperm count doesn’t decrease due to ejaculation.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is when a male cannot maintain an erection during sex. While it’s common – affecting around half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 [2] – it has zero relation to how much a person masturbates.
Mental Illness
One of the old myths surrounding masturbation is that it can lead to mental illness. This isn’t true – we currently have zero evidence showing that masturbating and mental illness have any link, so you don’t have to worry about that.
A Poor Relationship
Some people think that masturbating while in a relationship is bad, but that’s not the case. It’s perfectly healthy and normal to masturbate even when you have a sexual partner. Sometimes, people want to release sexual tension on their own, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If there’s a problem in the bedroom, communication is key.
Is Masturbation Healthy?
Yes, masturbation can be good for your body and mind. It can act as a stress reliever, helping people stay mentally content. It’s a completely natural thing to do, either on your own or with a partner, and no one should feel ashamed of it.
Is There Any Risk Associated with Masturbation?
Of course, excessive masturbation can cause some problems. While it won’t lead to hair loss (or hair on the palm of your hands!), it can cause other issues.
Usually, the problems associated with masturbation only occur when there’s an addiction. If someone masturbates too much to the point that they start missing work or letting it affect their relationships, it’s an issue. Talk therapies can help someone get through this.
There is also a link between excessive masturbation and a decrease in sensitivity during sex. If a person masturbates too much, they might not feel as much during sex, which can affect a person’s sex life and lead to an inability to orgasm. Often, this can be easily treated by changing the way a person masturbates – in particular, loosening a tight grip.
Is There a Link Between Sex and Hair Loss?
No – just like there is no evidence to prove that masturbation leads to hair loss, the same can be said for sex. Your sex life should have no effect on the head or your scalp! The only possibility here is if you suffer from sexual dysfunction that causes stress, which could lead to telogen effluvium (shock hair loss). Speak to your doctor if you are under a lot of stress and think it’s leading to your hair falling out.
Tips for Keeping Healthy Hair Throughout Your Life
Hopefully, we have answered the question, “Does masturbation cause hair loss?”. The answer is a definite no. That doesn’t mean hair loss isn’t a real issue – it is; it’s prevalent, and it can be hard to tackle. Here are some ways to keep your hair healthy throughout your life.
Establish a Good Hair Care Routine
Your hair needs to be well looked after if you want it to be healthy. If you use a lot of heat on your hair, for example, always use a heat protectant. Using hair products like hair oils and masks can help keep your hair shiny and untangled.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your diet is linked to the health of your hair. If you end up with a nutritional deficiency – say, in zinc – you could encounter hair loss. Supplements can help with this, but it’s a good idea to aim to eat a healthy diet to prevent it from happening in the first place.
The Best Hair Loss Treatments
Have you already experienced hair loss? The good news is there are plenty of excellent treatment options to help you manage it.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a hair loss treatment often used to treat male or female pattern baldness, which is caused by genetics. It comes as a topical treatment; you simply apply the minoxidil to the scalp each day to see results. You’ll need to keep using it for the results to stay – you’ll likely see your hair fall out again if you stop using it.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication specifically for men. It’s used to treat enlarged prostates but can be acquired privately for the treatment of hair loss. It should be noted that women do not experience any effectiveness from finasteride – so if you’re a woman with hair loss, it’s best to consider other treatment options.
Low-level Light Therapy
Low-level light therapy is a hair loss treatment that utilises the effectiveness of UV rays, which can stimulate hair growth. It’s quite a remarkable and effective treatment that you can even do at home, although it’s generally recommended to seek this treatment out in a professional clinic. Many people have experienced fantastic results through it.
Steroid Injections
For people with bald patches on the scalp, steroid injections can be used to treat it. These injections go directly into the balding area. It can take a couple of sessions for a person to begin seeing results.
A Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a procedure performed by a surgeon, which involves taking hair follicles from the scalp and placing them into the balding section. It’s a minimally invasive type of surgery, letting people enjoy a full head of hair once more. Check out our patients gallery to see how incredible the results can be.
Many of these hair loss treatments offer excellent results. A hair transplant, for example, provides a high success rate and the chance to grow your hair for the rest of your life.
In Summary: Can Masturbating Cause Hair Loss?
No, masturbating cannot cause hair loss. It’s a myth that likely stems from the idea that masturbation can lead to the loss of protein or an increase in testosterone, but there is no evidence to say that either of these statements is true. Myths like this can be quite harmful, as they can perpetuate the idea that masturbation is inherently wrong when it is usually perfectly safe and healthy.
If you are experiencing hair loss, it won’t be linked to masturbation. There will be another reason behind your hair loss, such as female/male pattern baldness, stress-related hair loss, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances.
Are you interested in a hair transplant? We offer FUE hair transplants here at Harley Street Hair Clinic. Download our hair track app to get started on your hair restoration journey, or contact our team via our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/semen-calories#:~:text=It%20found%20that%20the%20average,around%20252%20mg%20of%20protein.
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/erectile-dysfunction-impotence/#:~:text=Erectile%20dysfunction%20(ED)%2C%20also,have%20it%20to%20some%20degree.