Masturbation Myths: Alopecia

Masturbation has various myths and misconceptions. For instance, people say that masturbation causes hair loss, whereas others say blindness. Is it true?

Endless myths revolve around masturbation. You'll hear that it causes kidney and spinal issues. Usually, sex matters greatly become complex, especially when women are in the talk. It's said that female masturbation relates to hair loss. Females are mostly attached to their hair, and bringing chaos to it may be a waste of time. That's why you should never fall prey to such talks. Is masturbation linked to hair loss in any way? Let’s read to find out more.

Does masturbation cause hair loss?

The direct answer to this question is, no. There's no science supporting this point. Perhaps it's from the idea that semen composes numerous proteins. That means the body loses significant amounts with each ejaculation that would rather support hair growth. Truly, semen contains proteins, with every 100 ml carrying only 5.04g. Every ejaculation has between 3.3 and 3.7ml of semen, which is very minimal. Also, they say that masturbation improves testosterone, resulting in an increased amount of hormones related to hair loss and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A 2001 study revealed an increase in testosterone levels in males after abstaining from masturbation for 21 days. That's linked to a lack of ejaculation to increase testosterone, but no suggestion indicates masturbation can raise the DHT levels. 

More myths associated with masturbation

Multiple myths surround masturbation, but no research proves that links it to any physical problems. Other myths include:

• Causes permanent genital damage
• Leads to blindness
• Causes hair growth on the palms
• Results to impotence and infertility, men and women respectively.

Another myth is that masturbation causes excess dandruff production resulting in pH alteration on the scalp. It's added that dandruff accumulation over time cut off your hair. Clearly, the main dandruff cause is having oily skin, and scalp on the head. A lot of dandruff from oily skin can truly cause one to lose hair, but masturbation has nothing to do with the involved process.

Masturbation benefits

The benefits include the following:

Physical health- Reaching the crescendo either in solo play or partnered, supports and strengthens the regions, such as the circulatory, muscular, and nervous systems in men's and women's genitals. Orgasms in men help produce healthy sperms and semen. A 2016 study suggested that ejaculation can lower the risks of contracting prostate cancer in men.

Self-awareness- Through masturbation, you can become familiar with their body. You may possibly understand your most sensitive parts and what stimulates sensations. Even studies conclude that women learning the art of masturbation at an early age may develop positivity towards sex in adulthood, unlike those who don't. It also gives a great self-image.

Stress relief- Most individuals perform masturbation to reduce stress or acquire deep sleep. It can also be a safe way of getting pleasure without risking pregnancies and transmission of sexual infections.

Masturbation risks

While it can be challenging to discuss masturbation among people, it comes with associated risks that they should know. The technique may be problematic if;

• Bring troubles in your intimate relationship or marriage
• When compelled to be extremely rough to cause injuries and swelling
• Causes too much guilt
• Tempers with usual life operations, such as work, school, and others.

Suppose you’re worried due to challenges related to masturbation, please seek advice from a psychologist or other specialist professional; or psychiatrist.

The real hair loss causes

What causes hair loss in human beings? Losing hair can be due to hormones and genes. The most common hair loss causes are:

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata causes bald patches on different body parts, including the head. The areas without hair may regrow or remain contained. Also, the hair loss can continue growing to reach the whole face, scalp, or body. The condition is considered autoimmune and can affect children and adults. About two percent of people experience this problem, and out of them, 30% it recurs or stays permanent.

Male baldness

Pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia, is hereditary and the most known hair loss cause. Individuals with this condition have a genetic sensitivity to the DHT hormone.  Their exposure to the substance shrinks the hair follicles, and thus can't produce healthy and strong hair. As reported by the American Hair Loss Organization, 95% of men with hair loss issues suffer from male pattern baldness, and the effect is seen in about 85% of them by age 50. While women produce lower testosterone levels than men, they can also suffer from this condition. By age 65, 85% of them are likely to experience it.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy mainly deals with cancer cells in the body. However, the compounds found in the drugs used to treat cancer patients can result in 90% hair loss. The good thing is that the loss isn't permanent, as it may regrow later depending on the treatment.

Traction alopecia

This alopecia type occurs due to pulling the hair over a long period, leading to hair follicle distraction. It happens when someone puts on tight braids, extensions, or ponytails for long. It can be temporary in the beginning, but repeating a similar style for months or years can cause permanent damage.

Stress

Some conditions can be extremely demanding to the body, such as serious infection, childbirth, and malnutrition. As a result, one loses hair. The problem can resolve itself or may be permanent.

Medication

Some medications have side effects, including hair loss. Examples are some antidepressants and birth control pills.

The bottom line

Masturbation topics are rarely discussed among individuals. No wonder it has endless myths and misconceptions. It's a common practice by many, for example, in a certain survey of 2000 people, 80% of men and women reported that they masturbate for various reasons. Among the reasons was to quench their sexual thirst. Therefore, nobody should lie to you that masturbating can cause your hair to fall out. Suppose you need help concerning the benefits or challenges associated with masturbation. It'd help-seeking advice from your doctor or sexologist. Furthermore, if you're worried about the myths attracted by masturbation, please consult a healthcare specialist.