Sex and masturbation causes hairfall, acne and weakness. How many times do you come across claims like these and wonder if they are true? In a country like India where a topic such as sex is still a taboo, the silence breeds ground for unscientific claims like these. So, why not ask a sexologist to bust five myths related to masturbation and sex for us? Here we go!
Why Is Sex A Taboo In India?
“It is an irony in itself, isn't it?” asks Dr Dimple Rattan, Sexologist, SS Wellness Clinic, Punjab. We live in the most populated country in the world and yet cannot talk about the process that makes it happen, adds Dr Rattan. We live and breathe on the same land where Kamasutra was created and yet public perspectives are still framed by Victorian social mores and laws which became part of the public consciousness during a time of British colonialism. Sex, being a taboo, creates breeding ground for misinformation and myths that have absolutely no scientific basis. And, these myths when propagated, have the potential to affect the sexual life of someone who may internalise them.
Five Common Myths About Sex And Masturbation
Dr Rattan debunks 5 common myths regarding sex and masturbation:
Sex Causes Hairfall
The myth about sex and hair loss is based on the idea that too much ejection of seminal fluid could somehow cause protein deficiency, and therefore hair loss. Seminal fluid is made up of approximately 90% water and 10% protein. Protein is important for the growth and repair of many tissues, including hair. Because hair is also, essentially, a fibrous protein, it would seem likely that lowering your protein levels would impact hair growth.
Also Read: Premature Ejaculation: Does It Actually Have A Cure?
It's worth considering that more than 50% of the dry weight of your body is protein; even if you were to 'excessively' ejaculate seminal fluid, it is unlikely you would have a significant reduction in the total protein levels in your body – in fact, very few men have protein levels so low that they would ever encounter even temporary hair loss because of it. Furthermore, 8 in 10 men will experience some hair loss, and male pattern baldness is the leading cause. Hair loss is not caused by low protein.
Masturbation Causes Acne
Masturbation is not a cause of acne. While some believe that the hormones produced during masturbation lead to breaking out of pimples, that is a myth. While we get a significant rise in hormones during some sexual activity, including masturbation, those hormones are only at heightened levels for a short amount of time and will not lead to pimples. Of all the misconceptions surrounding masturbation, this is another unfounded one.
The only reason why there is any correlation might very well be the timing in which both masturbation and acne tend to increase around teen years. There is no biological pathway, however, that links the two.
Sexual Activity Causes Weakness
While fatigue or a cramp here and there might be a result of sex, but that stands true for any activity that requires physicality. Do you not feel weak and tired after a gym session or playing a sport? And it is very normal to do so. However, there is no science to suggest that sex or masturbation cause long term weakness or any condition of that sort. Maybe if someone has an underlying condition, they might.
You Can’t Get Pregnant While Menstruating
Although, it is very unlikely that you will get pregnant from having sex while on your period, however, there always tend to be exceptions, and there are some factors to consider provided you have a "normal" cycle, which is approximately 28 to 30 days or longer. With a shorter cycle, say if you have a cycle that is every 21-24 days, that can mean that you are ovulating earlier in the cycle. Meaning if you have sex towards the end of your period, and since sperm can live up to 5 days inside you, you could also conceive 4 or 5 days later with early ovulation. Although the chances of you getting pregnant during your period is low, the chances do exist.
Also Read: How Female Sex Hormones Affect Progression Of Eye Disease; Study
Virgin Women Must Bleed
Having vaginal sex for the first time can stretch open the hymen and may sometimes lead to bleeding. However, the hymen can stretch open in many different ways including using tampons or exercising. Some women are also just born with very little hymenal tissue. Being a virgin and having a hymen are not synonymous.
Conclusion
Sexual education is important. Not just to ensure protection against sexually transmitted diseases, infections, and unintended pregnancies, but also to empower us to live a myth-free, healthy, and pleasure-filled sexual life.