Masturbation, hair loss, and Propecia, a scientific answer!

[iojhfeoie]

Hi,

Can someone please give me a proper scientific (either pointing me to a journal, or a scientific study, on a reputable website) study saying that either yes, masturbation DOES increase the rate of hair loss if its in your genes, or No, it doesn't. Googling, different websites are saying different things and I just don't know what to believe.

Propecia - i've read this is a cure. Then I type in google 'propecia side effects'. And alarm bells start ringing, there's even a forum called http://www.propeciasideeffects.com/

and theres even a forum dedicated to helping people who are suffering from the side effects! http://www.propeciahelp.com/forum/

So im confused, loads of people on this forum saying propecia is good or whatever......and elsewhere on the internet saying propecia does work....but comes with bad damaging side effects. Who to believe? I'm certainly not going to want to take something that has damaging side effects, its not worth it

my first question is more important to me tho, if anyone could answer that i'd appreciate it.

thanks.

[Mark]

Hi,

Can someone please give me a proper scientific (either pointing me to a journal, or a scientific study, on a reputable website) study saying that either yes, masturbation DOES increase the rate of hair loss if its in your genes, or No, it doesn't. Googling, different websites are saying different things and I just don't know what to believe.

We get this question constantly on the blog. (http://www.baldingblog.com/2008/11/11/i-studied-biology-so-i-know-masturbation-causes-hair-loss/) And here's another post. (http://www.baldingblog.com/2007/12/10/show-me-evidence-that-masturbation-and-hair-loss-arent-linked/) And Another post. (http://www.baldingblog.com/2007/11/30/according-to-the-journal-of-endocrinology-masturbation-increases-dht/)

Here's the deal. DHT does not simply cause hair loss. It causes hair loss in men who are genetically predisposed to have DHT cause alopecia in them. There are no scientific studies that show how much (if at all) masturbation may increase or decrease the rate of hair loss.

Your testicles produce testosterone, and in turn that gets turned into DHT. DHT is what causes hair loss in men who are genetically predisposed to MPB.

Now, your testicles will ALWAYS produce testosterone. So even if you wore chainmail underwear and never ejaculated ever again (which is impossible cause you'll just do it in your sleep anyway), you'll still produce testosterone, and in turn DHT.

My point here is that, even if there were scientific studies (which there aren't) that showed that your body produces much more testosterone and DHT if you masturbated a lot, in turn speeding up your balding, what's the point? You're still going to bald in whatever norwood pattern you're predisposed to, just a little slower. Oh and you'll be miserable and sexually frustrated.

The only way that you're going to have any impact on your hair loss by messing with your sexual organs is to properly castrate yourself. Which I don't recommend.

This whole idea that masturbation and hair loss have any significant ties comes all back to the old superstitious nonsense that people used to tell their kids to prevent them from masturbating due to taboos or other puritanical nonsense. It has absolutely no basis in science.


Propecia - i've read this is a cure. Then I type in google 'propecia side effects'. And alarm bells start ringing, there's even a forum called http://www.propeciasideeffects.com/

and theres even a forum dedicated to helping people who are suffering from the side effects! http://www.propeciahelp.com/forum/

So im confused, loads of people on this forum saying propecia is good or whatever......and elsewhere on the internet saying propecia does work....but comes with bad damaging side effects. Who to believe? I'm certainly not going to want to take something that has damaging side effects, its not worth it

my first question is more important to me tho, if anyone could answer that i'd appreciate it.

thanks.

Dr Rassman has spoken about those sites quite a few on the blog. (http://www.baldingblog.com/2008/01/11/can-you-dismiss-propecia-information-on-the-web/) That is just one link, but I highly recommend searching the blog for those website names and you'll come up with a plethora of info in the posts he's written.


Here's my take on it too though. This is a long portion of the post, but I think it's important for those of us who are interested in honesty and truth to fight the kind of garbage "science" that is promoted on sites like the ones you mention.

First off, does propecia have side effects? Yes it does, and they're pretty clearly listed on the FDA website and on propecia.com, and they're quite minimal. They found roughly the same percentage of people experienced these side effects when they were taking a placebo. In addition to that, people can report side effects to the FDA after the drug is put out there for public use (like it is now) and they will include those reports in their FDA material.

The thing that really annoys me about sites like those is not that they're saying bad things about finasteride. I don't get paid by any drug companies, and I take the drug myself so I'd be just as angry as the next guy if I found out that there were hidden side effects of the drugs I'm taking that were not disclosed to me. I'd file suit against Merck and the FDA right alongside the rest of you.

The thing that irks me is that the people running those sites don't care about getting to the truth of the matter, they're just spreading unsubstantiated rumors and FUD (Fear, uncertainty, and doubt) with extremely little evidence to back it up. And I'll show you exactly how.....



Look at that propeciasideffects website. It's very ominous! A photo of a guy nervously biting his nails. The author claiming that there's a vast conspiracy going on. But what is the evidence? Little to none. The arguments on those sites are almost entirely based on ignorance. They say a bunch of scary stuff and then give little to no evidence for their theories.

I call this the "9/11 truth" syndrome. You know all those people who think that September 11 was an inside job? That the buildings were all rigged with explosives, etc? Those people have no real evidence for their claims. They just ask a bunch of really scary questions and then let those questions act as answers.

That's the exact same thing that goes on this site. Here's the main paragraph on the first page, my comments are in bold.....


Propeciasideeffects.com was formed to spread the word about the undocumented potentially irreversible side effects caused by using Propecia (finasteride) 1mg each day. A number (how many? Who are these guys?) of males have suffered erectile dysfunction, impotence, low libido and gynecomestica after using Propecia. The shattering truth for these males is that the side effects did not disappear after ceasing finasteride. (again, who are they?) The shattering truth is that years later these individuals are still suffering in silence (in silence! How convenient!) with a seriously reduced quality of life due to erectile dysfunction and impotence. It is not know exactly what causes these changes and how to screen individuals before treatment. (Very little is known indeed!)

The purpose of this site is to spread the word to others considering using Propecia and also to provide as an informational exchange and gathering place for those who are already suffering.

Thinking of using Propecia? Can you imagine a life with a seriously reduced ability to obtain and maintain an erection? (Scary!) Read on…. You may want to think again.

Scary scary scary!

Their forum is even worse. It seems that the point of the forum there is to be a gathering place for people who have had these problems to congregate and spread the word, but instead it just seems like even more arguments based on ignorance.

here's a great example. (http://www.propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2002) On the front page of that site they claim that long term side effects are official because the Swedish MPA found them out! Oh no! This post (http://www.propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2002) on the forum even goes so far as to say that "it is now official that Propecia can cause permanent erectile dysfunction that persists even after the treatment has been discontinued."

Fortunately, the MPA report does NOT say that. A person with a high school education could look at the report and understand that. The poster even notes it himself in the very same post!

Long-term clinical studies about the effect of finasteride on fertility in men have not been conducted."

Here's the actual paragraph from the PDF.

Frequency unknown:
allergic reactions such as rash,
itching, lumps under your skin (hives) and swelling of your lips and face breast swelling or tenderness
pain in the testicles
fast heart beat
persistent difficulty having an erection after discontinuation of treatment
infertility has been reported in men who took finasteride for long time and had other risk factors that may affect fertility. Normalisation or improvement of seminal quality has been reported after discontinuation of finasteride. Long-term clinical studies about the effect of finasteride on fertility in men have not been conducted.
elevated liver enzymes

So if clinical studies have not been conducted, how have they found this out? What was the basis for adding this to the list? On their own forum they link what the MPA wrote to them about why they were doing the investigation in the first place. (http://www.propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=882.)

I am afraid that we can offer you no further information on the subject
of Propecia and irreversible sexual dysfunction.
The Medical Products Agency of Sweden has received no reports on such
disorders, nor have we received any such reports from MSD. What we
stated in our press-release is that based on rumours on the internet we
have requested MSD to report all cases of sexual dysfunction in men
including information whether the symptoms stopped when Propecia
medication ended.

Yes, you read that right. They have not had any reports from people about these disorders. Nobody even call from anyone claiming this stuff. They just heard of "reports on the internet" (I wonder if the "reports" were from either of these two sites?) and decided to investigate like a good regulatory agency should.

These people then see the MPA investigating it, and they throw that information out there as "evidence" that something must be wrong. Because that's what they want to believe. And then when the final report is issued by the MPA showing exactly the opposite of what they think, they still use it as evidence that they're right!

THIS IS NOT SCIENCE. IT'S THE VERY DEFINITION OF CIRCULAR REASONING. This is not a real study where they evaluated people against a control group or anything like that. That regulatory agency is simply putting information out there which was reported to them. And as anyone who spends any time on medical message boards on the internet can attest, sometimes people can be severe hypochondriacs. People often can imagine things that are not real.

See? Internet site makes wild rumors. Regulatory agency investigates rumors. Internet site says investigation is proof their rumors are true.

Total hogwash.

I know this is long and reading like a novel, but this is a subject that really irritates me. The people running that site have no interest in actually finding the truth about the matter. In science, we let the information and facts lead us to the proper conclusion. These people on the other hand already have the conclusion that they want to believe, they're simply looking for "facts" which prove that conclusion and conveniently ignore all the facts that go against what they want to believe.

And that's what's so egregious here. A lot of people, rightfully, worry that the FDA or other governmental agencies are not looking out for us people, but instead just looking out for the companies that make the drugs. The people running propeciahelp and propeciasideffects then take advantage of those legitimate fears we have to spread nonsense. They use their own intentional, willful ignorance as a tactic to spread FUD about a topic that they clearly do not understand, in the hopes that you won't look too closely.

While the people running those sites may have good intentions and may very well be nice people, they are actively putting ignorant garbage out and trying to sell it as truth.

Beware of those sites.

-Mark

[Mexican Hair Off]

Well said Mark.

The fact is that Propecia or Finasteride will not work for everybody. It is also a fact that some people taking Finasteride have had side effects, and some of them are pretty bad.

However, the thing you don't hear so much of is the vast majority of people, myself included, who take it every single day, never have so much an itch, and are quite happy with the result (definite decrease in hair loss for me).

No hair loss treatment will work for everyone, No hair loss treatment will not cause any side effect in anyone (some people are allergic to everything therefore will get a side effect).

Finasteride is a mass-marketed drug, approved not just by the FDA (which you may have a problem with if you're a conspiracy theorist/survivalist from montana type :) ) but also numerous state health agencies in Europe and Asia. If it was a terrible scam and didn't work on anyone there wouldn't be the enormous worldwide backing for it.

[Receeding hair]

Hello my friends,

Does anyone know where I can get a generic version of finasteride (propecia)? I am from Ireland and it is going to cost me over 1000euro for a 6month supply which I cant afford. I have a prescription for it.
Or does anyone know the cheapest way to get it?

Your replies will be much appreciated guys,

Love,

Your balding friend. :)

[mackallen]

Well said Mark.

The fact is that Propecia or Finasteride will not work for everybody. It is also a fact that some people taking Finasteride have had side effects, and some of them are pretty bad.

However, the thing you don't hear so much of is the vast majority of people, myself included, who take it every single day, never have so much an itch, and are quite happy with the result (definite decrease in hair loss for me).

No hair loss treatment will work for everyone, No hair loss treatment will not cause any side effect in anyone (some people are allergic to everything therefore will get a side effect).

Finasteride is a mass-marketed drug, approved not just by the FDA (which you may have a problem with if you're a conspiracy theorist/survivalist from montana type :) ) but also numerous state health agencies in Europe and Asia. If it was a terrible scam and didn't work on anyone there wouldn't be the enormous worldwide backing for it.


Well said !
I agree allergic people might get side effects.

Hello my friends,

Does anyone know where I can get a generic version of finasteride (propecia)? I am from Ireland and it is going to cost me over 1000euro for a 6month supply which I cant afford. I have a prescription for it.
Or does anyone know the cheapest way to get it?

Your replies will be much appreciated guys,

Love,

Your balding friend. :)


Based on my experience i can suggest you to get propecia from dealgeneric.com
I am using it for a month now and satisfied with results and no side effects yet.

Thanks
Mack

[Hairlasercap]

I can't say that I've ever heard of a correlation between masturbation and hair loss, though I will look into it. As for hair loss, I've heard laser therapy is effective. Is this true?

[angelinadiaz]

many times because of hormonal imbalance womens face hair loss problem.

[anthonynelson]

The whole idea of masturbating leading to hair loss is just imaginary!! there are no such reasons for hair loss...yes ..it may be due to hereditary problems.

[cosz]

Hi,

Do you know the curry leaves that the indian use in their cooking ? I understand that it is very good for the hair. hope it helps.

cheers

[angelinadiaz]

Heat some mixture of curry leaves and oil,when curry leaves turn dark black remove heating and cool down it.then massage these mild oil with your head and leave it overnight.this will help you to keep your hair strong and soft,shiny.this oil is a good stimulation which helps in hair growth.

[John Doe]

Hello my friends,

Does anyone know where I can get a generic version of finasteride (propecia)? I am from Ireland and it is going to cost me over 1000euro for a 6month supply which I cant afford. I have a prescription for it.
Or does anyone know the cheapest way to get it?

Your replies will be much appreciated guys,

Love,

Your balding friend. :)

I'm from south america and buy a generic version named Folcres, which is made in argentina, it costs me about $50 a box with 30 pills but i get a bonus box from my providing drugstore when i buy it in person. Try googling or asking in your city drugstores for other generic version, good luck.

[chukie94]

Hi,
I started loosing my hair as far back at 2001 and lost it completely after shaving off the hair on my head so that patches on my head wont be well noticed. from 2002 till date i have gone totally bald not even a single facial or body hair excepting on some times in the year where some strands pop out n then falls all off... since then i have had a whole wardrobe stocked with face caps to cover my head n eye brow which dont have any strand of hair. I really dont know what and where to go regarding this. anyone with any help should please let me know ASAP.. thank you

[Sharonstone]

i don't think so that masturbate can cause hair loss..i had done it once in in week & i like to do that....my father has a very big hair loss in his head..so i think my hair loss coming from my dad Generic Viagra (http://www.mynetpharma.com/)