Can masturbation cause hair loss?

There are many myths surrounding masturbation, but is there any truth to the theory that masturbation can make your hair fall out?
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.

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.

Busting other masturbation myths
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.
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).

Risks of masturbation
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.