When you just had a hair transplant, engaging in sexual activity should be put at ease to ensure optimal surgical results. Doing such activities too soon can potentially lead to some complications and unsatisfactory results.
In this article, we explained everything you need to know, and here are our key points:
- SEXUAL LIFE AFTER HAIR TRANSPLANTATION SHOULD BE DELAYED FOR A WHILE
- SEXUAL INTERCOURSE INCREASES THE BLOOD PRESSURE WHICH DELAYS HAIR GRAFT HEALING
- GETTING SWEATY DURING SEX MAY HARM HEALING SENSITIVE HAIR FOLLICLES
- WAIT AROUND 10 DAYS BEFORE HAVING SEXUAL ENCOUNTER
- IN THE LONG TERM HAIR TRANSPLANT HAS POSITIVE EFFECTS ON SEXUAL DRIVE
- IF YOU REALLY NEED TO, INSTEAD OF HAVING SEX MASTURBATION IS A SAFE CHOICE
Can You Have Sex After Hair Transplant?
Yes, you can have sex after a hair transplant, but not immediately after the surgery, as having sex leads to sweating, increased tension, and heart rates which can dislodge your hair grafts and delay the healing process.
Each implanted hair graft after the surgery will be fragile for the first 10 days and will only root in your scalp approximately until 14 days.
Why Is It Dangerous To Have Sex After Hair Transplant?
There are many reasons why one should not have sex immediately after a hair transplant. We listed all the risks of having sex after hair transplant here:
- DISLODGING THE HAIR GRAFTS
- BLEEDING ON THE SCALP
- CHANCES FOR INFECTION
- DELAYING THE HEALING
- RISKING THE SUTURES FOR FUT METHOD*
*This is an abbreviation for “follicular unit transplantation”, a hair transplant surgery method where they take a strip of skin from the back of your head, and then stitch your scalp.
Let’s explain why it’s a no for sex after a hair transplant.
Dislodging The Hair Grafts
During sexual intercourse, you might accidentally touch, or cause friction on your scalp which generally dislodges your healing hair grafts scabs.
Any physical activity that puts your body under stress, including sex, is not recommended and should be avoided during the first weeks of your hair transplant recovery period.
Bleeding On The Scalp
While bleeding rarely occurs after a hair transplant, having sex increases the chances of bleeding due to higher blood pressure, increased rate of blood flow, and any accidental harsh physical contact during sex.
Chances For Infection
Sexual contact after a hair transplant does not directly cause, but increases the risk of infection that can lead to folliculitis or scalp necrosis complications of hair transplant. This is due to sudden body movements, accidentally contacting your scalp, or unexpected frictions you might experience during sexual encounters.
Delaying The Healing
When you have sex, your body overwork, blood pressure increases, muscles contract, and you get sweaty. These all contribute to improper and delayed wound healing periods if you have sexual intercourse after hair transplantation before the recommended timeline.
Risking The Stitches For FUT Method
Stitches on the back of your head might get loosened during sex because of sudden body moves and increased blood pressure. When the stitches loosen, your skin might not properly heal and even infection can be seen.
When Can You Have Sex After Hair Transplant?
You can safely have sex 2-3 weeks after your hair transplant operation, but it is also possible to perform sexual activities on the 7-day mark with caution. Having sex immediately after FUE, FUT, or DHI hair transplant operation will have consequences like graft dislodgement, chances for infection, and delayed healing.
Will Hair Transplant Affect My Sex Life?
Yes, a hair transplant will affect your sex life in mostly positive ways, except for the first few weeks of the waiting period.
Besides, some clinics like ours recommend using medications for hair growth after a hair transplant that are known to cause temporary erectile dysfunction (erection problem) as a side effect.
How Might A Hair Transplant Influence Your Sex Drive?
After a hair transplant, experiencing the growth of voluminous hair can contribute to a long-term improvement in your overall mood and psychological well-being, which may positively impact your sex drive. You can expect a higher libido level after a hair transplant procedure thanks to improved self-confidence.
According to a meta-analysis on sexual health, one of the authors of which is John K. Sakaluk, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology at Western University, there is a positive association between self-esteem and sexual health.
Do Hair Transplant Medications Lower Your Sex Drive?
Yes, some recommended medications after hair transplant like finasteride may lower your sex drive causing erectile dysfunction (ED) according to MedlinePlus. On the other side, there are relatively safe choices for sexual drive like minoxidil, which is rarely related to ED.
Minox medications are recommended or given for hair loss prevention works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone causing genetic hair loss.
What To Avoid During Sexual Intercourse After Hair Transplant?
Even if you can have sex after 14 days following your surgery that does not mean you can avoid all the safety measures. There are things you should consider for a successful hair transplant recovery process in the first few months while you are performing sex. Here we listed them for you:
- DO NOT TOUCH OR CAUSE ANY FRICTION ON YOUR SCALP
- HAVE SAFE SEX TO AVOID INFECTIONS AND DISEASES
- DO NOT LET ANY LIQUID TO CONTACT YOUR SCALP
Can I Masturbate After Hair Transplant?
Yes, you can masturbate after a hair transplant. It can be considered as a safe alternative to sex. Although, just to be on the safe side at least wait for a few days before doing so and go easy on yourself.
References:
(2) AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2023. Finasteride; [updated 20202 Jun 15; cited 2023 Oct 17]; [about 11 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698016.html
(3) McClellan KJ, Markham A. Finasteride: a review of its use in male pattern hair loss. Drugs. 1999;57(1):111-126. doi:10.2165/00003495-199957010-00014
