Does Masturbation Cause Hair Loss?
Masturbation is completely natural and nothing to be ashamed of, but for many it is still a taboo or shameful subject. We are inundated with sexual imagery everywhere we turn, yet the act of self-pleasure is not a subject most people feel comfortable talking about. To make matters worse, several misconceptions about masturbation abound, making people worried that this activity can put their health or appearance at risk. One of the biggest myths is that masturbation causes hair loss.
How Did Masturbation Get a Bad Reputation?
Masturbation has been around as long as humans have, but it was only until the last few centuries that it began to get such a widespread bad reputation. Starting in the 18th century, religious and medical pamphlets and publications have condemned the practice, claiming that it was immoral and a sign of degeneracy. Furor over masturbation reached an all time high in Victorian times and the perfectly natural practice has never really recovered.
Studies have shown that masturbation has several health and relationship benefits, yet many people view it as shameful and even believe the myths started in the 18th and 19th centuries are true. There is an endless list when it comes to the afflictions masturbation has been blamed for, ranging from blindness, to paralysis, to hair loss.
The Science Behind Masturbation and Hair Loss
There is absolutely no scientific evidence that masturbation causes hair loss. Some people claim that because semen contains high levels of protein, when you masturbate you are losing protein that your body needs for hair growth. While semen does have a high level of protein within it, when compared to the protein in the rest of your body, it’s a fairly miniscule amount.
Others think that masturbation increases a hormone linked to hair loss, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of androgens can cause hair loss because it shrinks your hair follicles. Thankfully, studies have shown that going long periods without ejaculation may actually increase testosterone levels instead of lowering them.
What Causes Hair Loss?
For the most part, hair loss is determined by genetics. If the men in your family experienced balding, you are more likely to experience it as well. Hormonal changes, medication conditions, some medicines, and the natural ageing process can also play a part. While hair loss tends to happen more often to men, it can happen to women as well.
Hair loss can take on many different patterns and forms. It may come on gradually or suddenly and only occur in one place (like your scalp) or happen all over your body. However, when people talk about hair loss they are usually referring to male-pattern baldness.
In men, the most common type of hair loss is a gradual thinning of the hair on top of the head or patchy and circular bald spots. Appearances change over time and it’s perfectly natural to look different as we age, but for many men losing their scalp hair can be an upsetting experience. They may try to cover the hair loss with hats, toupees, or hairstyles designed to make the hair look fuller.
Another option is medical hair loss treatment. For it to be the most effective, you should start it at the first sign of thinning hair. Propecia are proven male hair loss tablets that can stop you from losing your hair and can even help you regrow hair. Buy Propecia hair loss tablets online in the UK from Pharmacy Planet
.Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925