Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among men in the United States, second only to skin cancer. In the year 2023, it is estimated that over 288,300 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and tragically, 34,700 will lose their lives to it. Within this somber backdrop, a longstanding myth has lingered in the minds of many: does masturbation contribute to prostate cancer? Fortunately, scientific evidence suggests otherwise, and intriguingly, engaging in more sexual activity, including masturbation, may have unexpected health benefits for the prostate.
The notion of ejaculation’s role in preventing prostate cancer stems from various studies, most notably a 2016 investigation led by Harvard researchers, who diligently tracked more than 30,000 men over nearly two decades. In a bold approach, these researchers asked the participants about the frequency of ejaculation during their 20s and 40s.
Surprisingly, the results revealed a remarkable finding: men who ejaculated more than 20 times per month experienced a 20% reduction in prostate cancer risk compared to those who ejaculated only four to seven times per month, irrespective of their age. Lorelei Mucci, Sc.D., a co-author of the study and director of the Cancer Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention Program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasizes the significance of this discovery, referring to it as a “fairly sizable effect.”
While the study did not delve into the exact mechanisms by which frequent ejaculation might safeguard against prostate cancer, Mucci suggests one possible explanation: the “prostate stagnation hypothesis.” This theory suggests that infrequent ejaculation may allow potentially cancer-causing substances to accumulate in the prostate for extended durations, thereby increasing the risk of cancer development.
The implications of this study are profound. Most risk factors associated with prostate cancer, such as age, family history, ethnicity, and genetics, are non-modifiable—meaning they are beyond our control. Consequently, the idea that individuals could potentially reduce their risk of prostate cancer through a simple and enjoyable act like ejaculation could have significant public health implications.
Nevertheless, skepticism arises. Dr. Marc Dall’Era, a urologist at the University of California Davis, acknowledges the study’s quality but points out that while it demonstrates an association between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, it does not definitively prove that orgasm reduces cancer risk. He raises the question: “Could other unmeasured variables have influenced this outcome? Were men reporting higher ejaculation frequencies also generally in better health?”
However, Mucci notes that the study’s association remained robust even after considering various factors such as physical activity and diet, suggesting that these variables did not drive the observed link.
Several other studies have also explored the connection between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, though there remains debate about which decades of life are most influenced by this relationship. For instance, a 2017 Australian study found that frequent ejaculation was linked to a lower prostate cancer risk among individuals aged 30 to 39 but not among those in their 20s or 40s. Additionally, a smaller 2008 study from the United Kingdom indicated that sexual activity between ages 50 to 59 correlated with a reduced risk of early-onset prostate cancer (diagnosed at or before age 60) but was associated with an increased risk of early-onset prostate cancer for men who had ejaculated frequently in their 20s.
Dall’Era suggests that he would not explicitly advise men to increase their ejaculation frequency solely for the purpose of preventing prostate cancer, although it likely carries no harm. Instead, he encourages individuals to consult with their healthcare providers about whether prostate cancer screening is warranted.
In conclusion, the act of ejaculation appears to offer potential health benefits with minimal risks, as long as it is practiced safely. According to Mucci, “Sex and masturbation can have positive psychosocial health effects and can be a wonderful part of healthy relationships.” Therefore, there seems to be no downside to increasing sexual activity, including masturbation, as long as it is consensual and protected.
Hits: 0
