Is there a link between masturbation and prostate cancer?

Concerned that masturbating could lead to prostate cancer? If so, continue reading for more information supported by credible sources.

The prostate, which is about the size of a walnut, is a gland responsible for producing the fluid known as sperm.

Besides skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer among American males. In males, prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 throughout the course of their lifetimes.

Due to its prevalence, it is essential to learn about and understand the causes of prostate cancer. The risks of both masturbation and infrequent ejaculation for developing prostate cancer are analysed in this article. Some other risk factors and preventative measures for prostate cancer are also discussed.

Is there a connection between masturbation and prostate cancer?

In the almost 20 years since then, several papers have suggested that regular ejaculation can lower the risk of prostate cancer. These assertions have a basis in science, albeit the findings aren’t always consistent.

More than 29,000 males were surveyed about how often they ejaculated during a period of eight years beginning in 2004. Researchers found that males who ejaculate more regularly (at least 21 times per month) may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who ejaculate less frequently (between four and seven times per month).

The initial 2004 research’s follow-up period was extended by 10 years in a study published in 2016. Consistent with previous research, this study found that men who ejaculate more regularly may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Masturbation may or may not help prevent prostate cancer, but it certainly doesn’t cause the disease.

What Does the Data Show, Then?

Avoiding certain activities is often listed among the measures recommended to lower cancer risk. Knowing that engaging in an activity that many men like may help lessen your risk of prostate cancer may come as a comfort.

Frequent ejaculation has been linked to reduced risk of prostate cancer, but scientists aren’t sure why. One idea proposes that the prostate gland is cleansed of potential carcinogens, infections, and inflammatory triggers during ejaculation.

Evidence in favour of regular ejaculation is strong, although the concept is still contentious. Furthermore, there are contrasting results. The research’ most contentious topic is the optimal age for initiating ejaculation.

One study from 2008 found that males who had sexual relationships when in their twenties and thirties were more likely to acquire prostate cancer later in life. Furthermore, the research found no proof that masturbation is riskier than sexual activity.

The results of the Harvard study went against those of the 2008 study when it came to older adults. Though it found no correlation between ejaculatory age and prostate cancer risk, it did find that the advantages become greater with increasing age. The chance of developing prostate cancer was shown to be lower in the Australian research participants who ejaculated more often as adolescents.

There is no evidence that ejaculating will help prevent aggressive prostate cancer.

However, further study is needed to fully comprehend the relationship between ejaculating and prostate cancer.

How much safer are you now?

Men who ejaculated 21 times monthly had a 20% reduced risk of prostate cancer than men who ejaculated between four and seven times monthly, according to an 18-year Harvard study of over 30,000 health professionals.

Ejaculating seven times weekly was associated with a 36% reduction in risk for prostate cancer in an Australian research of the same nature.

Is Prostate Cancer a Threat to Your Health?

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer among males. Skin cancer is far and by the most frequent form of the disease. The incidence of prostate cancer in American males is around 1 in 7.

Some of the following increase or decrease your risk of acquiring prostate cancer:

prostate cancer is more common in men over 50 because of their advanced age.
prostate cancer risk increases in families where many members have had the disease.
the extra pounds: Being overweight may raise the risk of prostate cancer progressing to a more advanced stage.
Physical inactivity has been linked to an increased risk in some males.
heart disease risk may be increased by eating a diet that is heavy in fat from animal and dairy sources and low in fibre from whole grains, fruit, and vegetable sources.
height: Men of a greater stature may be more vulnerable to prostate cancer.

Preventing Prostate Cancer: Steps to Take

None of the known causes of prostate cancer have been identified. There is, however, mounting evidence that a good diet and lifestyle can provide some degree of protection. To proceed, you may:

Cut down on your intake of fatty meats and dairy products.
Boost your fruit and vegetable consumption.
Taking aspirin on a daily basis may delay the development of prostate cancer in males.

Key message

Evidence suggests that more frequent ejaculation may reduce the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Unfortunately, at this time there isn’t enough proof to make that claim.

Every man need to talk to his doctor about his risk factors and then adhere to the screening recommendations he makes.