“Don’t you know that masturbation causes hair loss?” my friend says, as he pulls up an article online. “Look, it says that masturbation increases testosterone in the body, which creates DHT, a hormone that leads to male pattern baldness!”

For those of you who are now worrying about balding because you have masturbated before, keep reading. Masturbation does not cause hair loss. There is no scientific evidence that supports this claim. This is just yet another masturbation myth.

There have always been lots of myths like this about masturbation, such as “Masturbation will make you go blind.” Since May is National Masturbation Month, we are going to debunk some of these myths!

MYTH #1: Masturbation causes infertility, meaning you’ll lose the ability to get someone pregnant or be pregnant.

TRUTH: The testicles will keep producing sperm no matter how many times you masturbate. Masturbation will also not affect a female’s ovulation, menstrual cycle or ability to get pregnant in any way.

MYTH #2: Only guys masturbate.

TRUTH: Regardless of your gender identity, almost everyone wants to enjoy pleasure. On average, 78 percent of Americans age 14 and older report having masturbated at some point, according to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior.

MYTH #3: You should not masturbate if you are in a relationship.

TRUTH: Just because you choose to masturbate doesn’t mean you’re not also interested in sex with a partner. Masturbation is a completely separate, pleasurable experience.

MYTH #4: You are masturbating too much.

TRUTH: Unless it is interfering with your personal life, this isn’t likely. You can masturbate once a month or once a week or once a day or more, it all depends on your preference. Whether you masturbate daily or never masturbate is completely up to you!

And the biggest myth of them all is that masturbation is bad or wrong. For the longest time, masturbation has been seen by some as taboo. However, it is a normal sexual act and has many benefits. In addition to pleasure, masturbation can actually relieve stress, elevate mood, enhance sleep quality and boost your concentration! Also, it’s a great way to discover what you sexually desire and are interested in. Finally, masturbation is a way to experience sexual pleasure without the worry of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. If you choose not to masturbate, that’s fine as well.

Just know that if you do decide to masturbate, it will not make you go bald!