Some people may believe that masturbation can cause hair loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this.

People often find masturbation difficult to discuss, which may explain why this topic attracts so many myths.

This myth that masturbation causes hair loss may come from theories about protein loss or changes in testosterone.

However, these myths rarely hold water, and masturbation is a regular part of life for many people — in a survey of more than 2,000 adults, 80 percent of men and women reported masturbating.

In this article, we take a closer look at why people think that masturbation might cause hair loss. We also investigate other masturbation myths and facts, and look at real causes of hair loss.

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There are no studies connecting hair loss to masturbation.

In a word, no — there is no scientific evidence that masturbating causes hair loss.

This myth may come from the idea that semen contains high levels of protein, and so with each ejaculation, the body is losing protein that it could use for hair growth.

While it is true that semen is high in protein — with approximately 5.04 grams (g) of protein per 100 milliliters (mL) of semen — each ejaculation contains just 3.3 to 3.7mL of semen, which is a comparatively small amount.

Another theory is that masturbation increases testosterone, which in turn increases the levels of a hormone linked to hair loss, called DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

However, a study from 2001 showed that adult males actually had an increase in testosterone levels after abstaining from masturbation for 3 weeks. This means that testosterone levels might actually rise if a person avoids ejaculating.

In either case, there is no evidence to suggest that masturbation increases DHT levels.

Many myths exist about masturbation, but modern science has not proven it as the cause of any specific physical ailments.

Alongside hair loss, there is no evidence that masturbation will:

  • cause hair to grow on the palms of the hands
  • lead to blindness
  • do permanent damage to the genitals
  • cause impotence in men and infertility in women

Many people find masturbation difficult to talk about, which means that myths about masturbation can be very persistent.

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Masturbation may help to relieve stress, and encourage healthy self-image.

Masturbation may have many benefits, including:

Understanding the body

Masturbation may help a person to become more familiar and comfortable with their body, helping them understand their sexual sensations and what gives them pleasure.

Studies have reported that women who masturbate early in life may be more likely to have positive sexual experiences as an adult, and a healthy self-image.

Physical health

Orgasms, whether achieved alone or with a partner, support and strengthen the circulatory, nerve, and muscular systems of the genitals in men and women.

For men, orgasms may help to keep sperm and semen healthy. A study published in 2016 reports that frequent ejaculation may reduce a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

Stress relief

Many people use masturbation as a way to relieve stress or help with sleep. It may be considered a risk-free way to experience sexual pleasure, since it cannot lead to pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Although many people find it difficult to talk about, there are few risks associated with masturbation. It may become a problem if it begins to:

  • interfere with school, work, or other aspects of an individual’s life
  • cause problems in a relationship
  • cause excessive guilt
  • be too rough, resulting in swelling or decreased sexual sensitivity

If a person is worried that masturbation is becoming a problem, a doctor or sex therapist will be able to advise on the best course of action.

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Anyone concerned about hair loss should speak to a doctor.

The actual cause of hair loss is most often a combination of heredity and hormones, not masturbation.

Common causes of hair loss include:

Male pattern baldness

Androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness is a genetic disorder and is the most common cause of hair loss.

An individual with androgenetic alopecia has a genetic sensitivity to DHT. When exposed to DHT, the hair follicles shrink, which prevents them from generating strong, healthy hair.

According to the American Hair Loss Organization, male pattern baldness (MPB) causes over 95 percent of hair loss in men and may affect 85 percent of men by the time they are 50.

Although women have lower levels of testosterone than men, androgenetic alopecia can also affect females. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, about 50 percent of women over the age of 65 will experience androgenetic alopecia.

Alopecia areata

This form of alopecia typically results in bald patches developing on the head or elsewhere. The hairless areas may stay contained and hair may re-grow, or the hair loss can spread to include the entire scalp, facial area, and body.

Alopecia areata is considered to be an autoimmune condition. It can affect men, women, or children.

This condition affects about 2 percent of people. For about 30 percent of people with this condition, hair loss is recurring or can become permanent.

Chemotherapy

While chemotherapy typically focuses on cancer cells, some of the cancer-fighting compounds in chemotherapy drugs can cause as much as 90 percent of a person’s hair to fall out. This hair loss is temporary, and the hair should regrow following treatment.

Major bodily stress

Major stress to the body, such as childbirth, serious infection, or malnutrition, can result in a significant loss of hair.

This form of hair loss usually resolves on its own, but it may also be persistent.

Traction alopecia

This form of alopecia occurs when the hair is pulled too tightly for a long time, resulting in damage to the hair follicles.

Traction alopecia occurs when a person wears cornrows, extensions, tight braids, or ponytails for an extended period.

In its early stages, this hair loss is temporary. However, if a person continues to wear the same hairstyle for months or years, the hair loss can become permanent.

Medication

Some medications, including birth control pills and certain antidepressants, can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Masturbation is a common activity that will not affect a person’s health or lead to hair loss.

Anyone who wants to talk about the benefits or problems associated with masturbation should speak to their doctor, or a sex therapist. Likewise, anyone worried about hair loss should discuss it with a healthcare professional.