Let’s talk about sex. More specifically, sex and hair growth. Let’s face it – over the course of our lives we’re told a hundred things – sex is good, sex is bad. Sex will cause your hair to fall out. Wait, what?
No! Actually, sex won’t cause your hair to fall out. And in fact, just the opposite is true: sex helps hair to grow, and can help to prevent hair loss. Let’s explore sex and its benefits to your body, then we’ll look at how sex improves hair growth.
Sex and Hair Growth: The Myths
Most of us live in a society that accepts sexual activity as the norm, and thank goodness for that! But it wasn’t always this way. The more reserved generations before ours attached a stigma to sex. They were a bit more apprehensive about sexuality, and as a result, many myths were created.
Here’s one you’ve probably heard: first-time sex hurts women. This myth was perpetuated to deter young women from having sex. The truth is that sex is just as likely to hurt the first time as it will any other time. In other words, no sex should hurt, not even the first time.
Here’s one more. “Don’t masturbate! You’ll go blind and get hairy palms!” Obviously, this isn’t true. There are plenty of people who masturbate and can still see. But our more puritanical ancestors wanted to discourage the act, so the myth was born.
We mentioned that it’s been thought that sex causes hair loss, and that that’s a fallacy. The reasoning behind this myth was that the loss of seminal fluid in men would lead to a protein deficiency. That’s since been proven untrue; the amount of protein lost during ejaculation is negligible. It’s not enough to impact hair growth.
There may be a tiny bit of truth to that second myth, though. While it’s blatantly false that your palms will grow hair, it’s been shown that sex does help hair to grow. Not on your palms, but on your head. (No, not that head, silly. Your scalp. Come on.)
So how does sex help your hair? Well, it benefits your hair’s health in a lot of ways! Let’s look at a few of the many reasons why sex is just so darn good for you, then we’ll examine what makes sex good for hair health, too!
Good News… Sex is Good for You!Is sex good for you?,
Now that our culture is a little more disposed to accept sex as a commonplace, natural and enjoyable activity, we see it everywhere. You can’t read an article on the internet or browse through a magazine without seeing mention of sex, or the benefits of sex.
But in case you’ve stayed away from this media, let’s take a minute for a refresher course. What are the benefits of sex, and how does it impact your health? More importantly, how does it affect your hair loss or hair growth?
First of all, sex provides many physiological benefits. That’s just a fancy way of saying “physical benefits.” Here are just a few:
- Sexually active people are less likely to get sick. Their immune systems are boosted, and they’re less likely to contract viruses like the flu.
- Sex improves bladder control. When you have sex, you’ll be strengthening your pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor is the group of muscles that holds up your bladder, uterus, rectum and vagina.
- Sex can be counted in your exercise routine! Sex certainly won’t replace your regular workout, but you’ll burn about 5 to 8 calories per minute when you have sex.
- It’s a natural painkiller. The hormones that are released when you orgasm will act as a natural pain blocker. So the next time your honey says, “but I have a headache,” remind her that sex can help!
- Sex can prevent cancer. The risk for certain types of cancer are proven to be reduced by a sexually active lifestyle. The most frequently cited of these cancers in medical studies are prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in both men and women.
So you see, there are benefits to having sex. Besides, it’s fun, and a great way to connect with your partner. But what about hair? How does sex increase hair growth?
Sex Hormones and Hair Growth
Before we go into specifics about sex hormones, there are a few points we need to review. First of all, while some hair thinning can be blamed on your genes, there are many ways to counter this. A healthy vitamin supplement will help to promote hair growth. Proper diet and exercise will, too. Just because you have “bald genes” does not mean that all is lost.
Secondly, both men’s and women’s bodies have the hormones estrogen and testosterone. It’s usually assumed that testosterone is a “man’s hormone” and estrogen is only found in females. That’s untrue. Levels of each hormone are found in your body, regardless of sex.
So how does that relate to sex hormones and your hair? Well, it’s commonly thought that a sharp rise in testosterone can affect the efficacy of follicles. In other words, when your testosterone levels rise, you lose hair. There are many activities which can raise those levels. Working out is one. Sex is another.
So does that mean that sex will make you lose hair? Nope! Just the opposite, in fact. In both men and women, the levels of estrogen in the body will increase during sex. Estrogen will counter the effects of testosterone. It’s like a natural antidote to hormonal hair loss.
In short, your body is hardwired with hormones which can cause hair loss. But having sex can boost the hormones which will have just the reverse effect. Estrogen isn’t just a “women’s hormone.” Sex is a natural remedy!
Before You Have Sex…
Now you know that sex is good for both your body and for the health of your hair. But before you rush off to get between the sheets, there are a few risks to consider.
First of all, you’ve seen the commercials. “Ask your doctor if your heart is healthy enough to have sex.” Truer words have never been spoken, and it’s not just your heart health. If you have concerns about your general health, be sure to talk with your doctor before you begin a sexual relationship. Your personal safety isn’t worth it; there are other ways you can help regrow your hair!
Secondly, it’s important to note that some libido-boosting and male enhancement supplements can actually contribute to balding. You probably know that some prescription drugs for hair loss can contribute to low sex drive. Propecia is a good example of this. But did you know that the opposite is true?
Drugs and supplements which are marketed to enhance male libido can carry a number of side effects, and hair loss is one of them. It’s counterproductive to take a supplement which causes hair loss in an attempt to grow hair. Be sure to check the ingredients list before adding any supplement to your routine.
Warnings aside, if you’re looking for a natural (and fun!) way to increase your hair growth, try sex! It carries awesome benefits for your body and your relationships, and sex improves hair health, to boot! What better excuse do you need?
