As men, we’ve all heard at least one rumor or myth about masturbation that make us laugh or make us put down the bottle of lotion, scratch our heads and think “wait….really?”
With our growing dependence on the internet, social media and sites like Wikipedia for our knowledge, it can be really difficult to keep track of what’s true and what’s false when it comes to masturbation myths like these.
Masturbation has very few side effects and can actually be quite healthy.
So we’ve decided to do some research and dispel some of the most common myths about masturbation and confirm some as well!
Can Masturbation Cause Acne?
The quick answer to this myth is no, masturbation does not directly cause acne. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim in any way. However, some people may experience an increase in acne breakouts during puberty when they are experiencing an increase in hormones which can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
And puberty happens to be when masturbation becomes far more prevalent. So it’s no surprise that this myth started to circulate.
It’s easy to see how someone could make the connection that since they started masturbating their acne got worse. But the fact is, it’s most likely just a coincidence.
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Can Masturbation Causes Hairy Palms?
This is another masturbation myth that has been circulating for years with no real evidence to support it. The idea behind this one is that if you masturbate too much, the hair on your palms will grow thicker and darker.
Again, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. And here’s another fact, you have no hair follicles on your palms…so where is the hair coming from??
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Can Masturbation Can Cause Hair Loss?
This one is a bit tricky. There is some evidence to suggest that masturbation can cause hair loss, but it’s far from conclusive. And it’s important to note that the hair loss that has been linked to masturbation is temporary and will typically grow back.
The theory goes that when you masturbate, you are stimulating your hormones which can lead to an increase in testosterone. This can then lead to an increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that is linked to hair loss. But this is a huge stretch.
Another theory is that when you ejaculate semen, you are depleting your body of protein that could otherwise be used for hair growth. This idea is an even bigger stretch!
While semen is high in protein, the average person ejaculates less than a teaspoon of semen per orgasm. So it’s highly unlikely that this is the cause of hair loss.
The final theory is that masturbation can lead to hair loss because of the way it can impact your sleep cycle. When you masturbate, your body releases hormones like prolactin and oxytocin which can make you feel tired and relaxed.
This can lead to insomnia which can in turn lead to hair loss. But this is also a stretch. While insomnia can lead to the thinning of hair, there is no evidence to suggest that masturbating is a cause of insomnia.
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Can Masturbation Make You go Blind?
The origin of this myth is unknown but it’s one of the most persistent masturbation myths out there. And there is zero medical evidence to support this claim. In fact, there is no evidence to suggest that any kind of sexual activity can cause blindness.
So where did this myth come from? One theory is that it was started by the Catholic Church as a way to discourage masturbation.
Another theory is that it was started by parents as a way to discourage their kids from masturbating. Either way, it’s a complete myth and you can rest assured that you will not go blind from masturbating.
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Can Masturbation Shrink Your Penis?
This is another dumb myth that has been around for centuries. The idea is that if you masturbate too much, your penis will shrink in size. There is no medical evidence to support this claim and it is simply not true.
Now that being said, over-masturbation could have an effect on your quality of erections, which I suppose some may link to penis size? But that again is a stretch.
The origin of this myth is unknown but it’s likely that it started as a way to deter people from masturbating. In the 1800s, masturbation was seen as a sinful act and was even linked to mental illness. So it’s possible that this myth was created as a way to scare people into thinking that if they masturbated, they would be physically “damaged” in some way.
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Can Masturbation Cause You to Lose Your Memory?
This is a myth that has been around for centuries, with some people believing that it can lead to memory loss or even dementia. But there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
The theory behind this myth is that when you masturbate, you are releasing stress hormones like cortisol which can impact the part of the brain responsible for memory. But again, there is no evidence to support this claim.
So what’s the bottom line? There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that masturbation can cause you to lose your memory. And even if there was, the amount of cortisol released during masturbation is minuscule and is not enough to impact the brain in any significant way.
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Can Masturbation Cause You to Lose Interest in Sex?
This one has some truth to it. While it’s certainly not the case for everyone, some people do find that their libido and interest in sex decreases after they masturbate too often.
The thinking goes that when you masturbate, you are training your body to respond to a certain type of stimulation. And over time, this can lead to you becoming less responsive to other forms of stimulation, including the stimulation you receive from your partner during sex.
Over-masturbation can also be tied to porn addiction, which DEFINITELY has an effect on your libido. So, in that case, yes you can definitely lose interest in sex.
Myth or Fact: FACT! (BUT only if you masturbate too often)
Can Masturbation Cause Prostate Cancer?
The origins of this rumor are unclear, but it may have started with a study conducted in the early 1990s. That study found that men who reported higher levels of sexual activity (including masturbation) were more likely to develop prostate cancer.
However, that study has since been debunked. A more recent, large-scale study found no link between sexual activity and prostate cancer. In fact, the study found that men who reported higher levels of sexual activity were actually less likely to develop prostate cancer.
So, what’s the verdict? Is this rumor just a bunch of hot air?
Well, not quite. While there’s no link between masturbation and prostate cancer, there is a link between ejaculation and lower chances of prostate cancer.
One study found that men who ejaculate more frequently (21 or more times per month) are less likely to develop prostate cancer. But this assumption is based off one study, so take it with a grain of salt.
Myth of Fact: MYTH!
Can Masturbation Make You Infertile?
This is a myth that has been around for centuries and it’s one that we hear a lot. There is no medical evidence to suggest that masturbation can cause infertility.
The theory behind this myth is that when you masturbate, you are depleting your body of sperm that could be used for fertilization.
But this is not how fertility works. Your body produces sperm continuously and it is replenished after each ejaculation. So you are not depleting your body of sperm by masturbating.
The only way that masturbation could potentially impact your fertility is if you are masturbating so frequently that you are not allowing your body to produce enough sperm.
But this is extremely rare and would only happen if you were masturbating multiple times a day, every day, and right before you have sex.
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Masturbation Is Only for People with No Partner
This is a common myth, but it’s definitely not true! Anyone can masturbate, regardless of whether or not they have a partner. In fact, many people who are in a relationship masturbate!
In the old days, masturbation was looked at as wrong and shameful. However, people’s views on it have changed. Masturbation is now considered a healthy and normal way to explore your sexuality and release sexual tension. Whether you are in a relationship or not.
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
People Who Masturbate Are Sex Addicts
This is a myth that has no basis in fact. There are plenty of signs to look for if you think your a sex addict. Masturbation is not one of them.
In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that people who masturbate are less likely to be sex addicts. A study in the Journal of Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity found that people who masturbated had lower levels of sexual compulsivity than those who didn’t masturbate.
So why do people think that the myth of masturbation leads to sex addiction? There are a few theories. One is that people who masturbate often are more likely to be sexually curious and exploratory.
This curiosity can lead to them trying new things sexually, which can in turn lead to addiction. But this is just a theory with no evidence to back it up.
Another theory is that people who are addicted to sex are more likely to masturbate. This is because they are constantly thinking about sex and are always in a state of sexual arousal. But again, this is just a theory with no evidence to support it.
The bottom line is that there is no evidence to suggest that masturbation leads to sex addiction. So masturbate away without worry!
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Masturbation Is Only for People Who Are Sexually Frustrated
This is a myth that needs to be put to bed once and for all! Masturbation is a perfectly normal and healthy sexual activity that can be enjoyed by people of all sexual orientations and gender, whether they’re in a relationship or now.
The idea that masturbation is only for people who are sexually frustrated is based on the false belief that sexual activity should only happen within the confines of a relationship.
This couldn’t be further from the truth! Sexual activity is about pleasure and intimacy, not just about procreation.
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
Masturbation Is Dirty or Wrong
So let me just say this, everyone masturbates. If you don’t, you’re most likely not healthy or you have strong enough religious or personal views that you repress the need for it.
Sexual repression is a thing and it’s not good for you. I’m not a doctor but I’m pretty sure that if you don’t have an outlet for sexual tension, it will come out in other ways that are less than ideal.
The myth that masturbation is dirty or wrong likely comes from religious groups who believe that any sexual activity outside of heterosexual intercourse is a sin. This is complete bullshit. There is nothing dirty or wrong about masturbating.
It’s a perfectly natural and healthy sexual activity for everyone to enjoy free of guilt!
Myth or Fact: MYTH!
