The theory that frequent ejaculation reduces a man’s risk of prostate cancer may have some merit.
Ejaculation, prostate cancer and age
In one 2016 study published in European Eurology, researchers found that men who ejaculate more frequently had a reduced rate of developing prostate cancer. The study, which was a follow-up on a 2004 study that found similar results, determined that men who ejaculated 21 times or more each month had a lower risk of the disease compared to men who only ejaculated four to seven times per month.
But there are some conflicting studies, not regarding whether ejaculation lowers your risk of the disease; just regarding the age in which it’s helpful.
A 2003 out of Australia found that frequent ejaculation was only helpful in reducing the rate of prostate cancer if applied to men when they were young.
On the flip side, a 2008 study found that frequent masturbation and ejaculation only helped when the men were over 50. For men in their 20s and 30s, frequent ejaculation was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Since the 2008 study threw a monkey wrench in the theory that frequent ejaculation was good regardless for reducing the risk of prostate cancer, more research needs to be done.
Other risk factors
Regardless of your ejaculation frequency, there are other prostate cancer risk factors to consider. These include:
- Are you over 65? If so, your risk goes up considerably. Over 80% of cases affect men over 65.
- What’s your ethnicity? Black men have a greater risk then white men, risk developing it younger and have a greater risk of being affected by aggressive forms of the disease. Hispanic man, on the other hand, are less likely to develop the disease than non-Hispanics.
- Were you exposed to Agent Orange? The chemical has been linked to the disease.
- Do you eat healthy? Diet may play a role.
- Does prostate cancer run in your family? There’s a genetic risk factor.
