How Was Masturbation Associated with Hair Loss? Is There a Scientific Basis?

Masturbation, which is a very common behavior among men and women, whether they have an active sexual life or not, is thought to play an important role in the formation of sexual identity. One of the factors that affect the quality of sexual life is to get to know and discover one’s own body first. Throughout history, many claims and views, which are urban legends and have no scientific basis, have been put forward and almost all of them have been disproved, regarding this act of sexual pleasure and satisfaction, which guided us on this journey of discovery. The rumor that masturbation causes hair loss is one of the claims that have no scientific basis. Experts say that excessive masturbation by itself does not cause hair loss or any other physical ailments. They are of the opinion that masturbation taking up too much space in daily life can negatively affect their personal and sexual life.

How Masturbation Got a Bad Reputation

As a matter of fact, people in the west were not very interested in masturbation until two or three centuries ago. In the mid-18th century, a Swiss doctor published a book about diseases caused by masturbation. Many historians are of the opinion that this book has a share in the negative coding about masturbation. Masturbation at that time; It has been associated with countless diseases, including blindness, impotence, epilepsy, mental disorder, paralysis and even premature death. Today, no medical professional thinks that masturbation, even if it is excessive, can cause even one of these symptoms.

Where Did The Claims That Masturbation Causes Hair Loss Come From?

There are no scientific studies that directly examine the relationship between masturbation and hair loss. Scientists are of the opinion that the claims made in this direction are unreasonable. Still, you may be wondering how masturbation is associated with hair loss. Let’s explain it like this:
Those who defend that masturbation causes hair loss base their claims on DHT hormone level and protein loss. It is known that high DHT level is related to hair loss. This issue is associated with hair loss due to the untrue information that masturbation raises testosterone levels.
Another claim in this direction is based on protein loss. I have often mentioned in my previous articles that protein is an important source for hair health. Sperm is very rich in protein. It is thought that the protein lost with ejaculation causes hair loss. Although it seems like a more logical claim than the other, it is unlikely to cause hair loss since the amount of protein lost is low.

What are the Causes that Actually Cause Hair Loss? What Does Science Say About It?

Hair loss can be due to many reasons. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men. The hormone DHT is thought to be effective on hair loss. Hair loss can be stopped to a large extent with drugs such as Finasteride, known as a DHT blocker.

Genetic transmission is considered the strongest determinant in the development of androgenetic alopecia. Poor living conditions and habits are thought to exacerbate the problem of androgenetic alopecia. Experts; They think that unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, intense stress, wrong hair care practices increase hair loss in people with androgenetic alopecia.
Experts, who are hesitant to approach even the issues on which there is limited research on the problem of hair loss, emphasize the importance of research and questioning in the face of rumors that have no scientific basis. Because false information can lead people to take erroneous measures.
All kinds of habits that take more than necessary place in the flow of daily life and show excess have negative effects on the quality of life. It is an important issue that the behaviors and habits that are observed to exceed the psychological limit are handled and balanced by the experts of the subject.

source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2549675/