Here’s some genuinely good news for men. Enjoying a more active sex life, including regular masturbation, may actually help protect your prostate. As researchers continue to explore whether sex and masturbation affect prostate cancer, studies suggest that frequent ejaculation is linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer.
During orgasm, the prostate muscles help push semen into the urethra and out of the body, a process that supports normal prostate function and overall prostate health.
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Can sex and masturbation affect prostate cancer?
Over time, research has increasingly noticed a connection between the frequency of ejaculation and a lower risk of prostate cancer. This connection became clearer in 2016, when the results of a large study were published. The research followed nearly 32,000 men over 18 years. Researchers recorded how often participants ejaculated through sex, masturbation, or wet dreams. This helped them better understand the impact on prostate health.
Research says that men who masturbate at least 21 times a month have a lower chance of prostate cancer. It is approximately 20% less than those who do it only four to seven times a month. This data is proving true over many age groups.
Other studies suggest that men need to ejaculate more than four times a month to see a lower risk of prostate cancer. As for why ejaculation may help protect prostate health, experts are not completely certain. One theory is that ejaculation helps clear out potentially harmful substances that can build up in semen over time.
Does ejaculation help prostatitis?
Inflammation and swelling in the prostate is known as prostatitis. It is caused by bacteria and is different from an enlarged prostate. The ejaculation would be painful, but some research says that frequent ejaculation helps in reducing prostatitis inflammation.
Most available evidence focuses on chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome. A small clinical study found that men with this condition who ejaculated regularly, around twice a week, reported improvement in symptoms over time. Some experienced significant relief, while others saw moderate benefits. The researchers suggested that regular ejaculation may help reduce congestion in the prostate by clearing accumulated prostatic fluid.
However, later research indicates that ejaculation frequency may not play a major role in symptom improvement when other effective treatments are used. In one clinical trial, men with chronic prostatitis showed symptom relief through treatments such as acupuncture, regardless of how often they ejaculated. This suggests that ejaculation alone is unlikely to be a reliable or primary treatment for prostatitis.
Doctors also stress that the type of prostatitis is important. In cases of acute bacterial prostatitis, ejaculation is generally not recommended during active infection. It can increase discomfort and inflammation, and medical treatment, such as antibiotics, is the priority. For many men with prostatitis, ejaculation can be painful during flare-ups, even if it does not worsen the condition itself.
Overall, some evidence suggests that regular ejaculation may help ease symptoms in certain men with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, but the scientific evidence is limited and not conclusive. Ejaculation is not considered a treatment on its own, and its effects vary from person to person. Men experiencing symptoms of prostatitis should always seek guidance from a urologist for proper diagnosis and management.
What studies are still exploring?
There is no clear evidence that frequent ejaculation directly reduces prostate cancer risk. At this point, doctors only see a link, and it may reflect other healthy lifestyle habits common among these men.
- Ejaculation does not appear to reduce the risk of the most aggressive or advanced forms of prostate cancer, and the reasons for this are still not clear.
- Scientists are still not sure whether ejaculation through sex and masturbation offers the same benefits. Some studies suggest that semen composition differs between the two. Ejaculation during sex contains higher sperm levels and certain chemicals. These differences could potentially influence a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
Know what prostate cancer is?
Not all research has shown a benefit. Some even reported a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer in younger men who masturbated more often. Because of this, researchers believe a man’s age may influence whether ejaculation has any protective effect.
Is frequent masturbation harmful?
Medical experts consider masturbation a normal and generally safe sexual activity. Very frequent or intense masturbation may have some temporary effects in certain men:
- Reduced sensitivity: Repeated strong stimulation may make it harder to reach orgasm during partnered sex, but this is usually reversible.
- Changes in sexual response: Higher frequency may be linked to delayed orgasm or altered responsiveness, though results vary.
- Minor physical effects: Mild soreness, skin irritation, or temporary discomfort can occur, usually resolving with rest or gentler practices.
- Psychological effects: Masturbation does not cause mental health problems, but compulsive behavior interfering with daily life, sleep, or relationships may cause distress.
- No long-term harm: Masturbation has not been shown to cause erectile dysfunction, infertility, or permanent sexual issues.
Frequent masturbation is usually safe. The key is balance and being comfortable with what feels right for your body. If something doesn’t feel normal or causes concern, speaking to a doctor can help put your mind at ease.
How to reduce your risk of Prostate Cancer?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer since factors like genetics, age, and race play a role, you can take steps to lower other controllable risks by:
- Getting screened early, especially if you fall into a high-risk group
- Eating vegetables and fruits that are diet-rich and have low saturated fats
- Exercising regularly to maintain overall health
- Quitting smoking, if you currently smoke
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Ensuring adequate vitamin D through diet or supplements
- Maintaining a healthy and active sex life
Conclusion
Ejaculation, whether through sex or masturbation, may offer some benefits for prostate health, but the evidence is not conclusive. Regular ejaculation might reduce prostate cancer and relieve symptoms in certain cases of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, yet it is not a guaranteed prevention or treatment.
Maintaining a balanced sex life, a healthy lifestyle, and consulting a urologist for screenings and any prostate-related symptoms remain the best ways to support prostate health.
FAQs
1. Can frequent ejaculation prevent prostate cancer?
Frequent ejaculation is linked to a lower risk in some studies, but there is no definitive proof that it directly prevents prostate cancer.
2. Does masturbation protect the prostate as much as sex?
Scientists aren’t certain. Some evidence suggests differences in semen composition between masturbation and sexual intercourse, which could influence potential benefits.
3. Can ejaculation help with prostatitis?
Some evidence suggests regular ejaculation may relieve chronic non-bacterial prostatitis symptoms, but it’s not a standalone treatment. Ejaculation can worsen acute bacterial prostatitis.
4. Does sex prevent prostate cancer?
Sex has not been proven to prevent prostate cancer, but research suggests that more frequent ejaculation may be linked to a slightly lower risk of developing it.
5. A lack of sex can cause prostate cancer
No, a lack of sex does not cause prostate cancer. Research shows no direct link, although some studies suggest that more frequent ejaculation may be associated with a slightly lower risk of prostate cancer.
