How to prevent prostate cancer: Insights from studies on ejaculation

Medical research has been trying to understand whether ejaculation can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. A new study has attempted to summarize decades of research.

Typically men are reluctant to see a doctor, and this is more so when it comes to sexual health. Very few regularly visit a urologist, despite the prevalence of urological diseases such as prostate cancer, one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men worldwide. Given that the primary function of the prostate is to produce and store seminal fluid, many scientific studies have explored whether ejaculation frequency affects the risk of developing prostate cancer. Until now, the findings have been inconsistent. 

This makes the results of a new scientific review, published in the Clinical Genitourinary Cancer peer-reviewed journal, which analyzed major studies from the past 33 years particularly interesting. It found that seven out of eleven studies indicated that frequent ejaculation might have a beneficial effect on reducing prostate cancer risk. 

The review suggests that frequent ejaculation generally has a positive effect on health, specifically prostate health. Although the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, several studies agree that regular ejaculation reduces toxins and other substances that, if accumulated in the prostate, can increase cancer risk.

There are no clear and consistent guidelines on the optimal number of ejaculations per month for prostate health. For instance, a significant 2017 Harvard University study of over 30,000 men aged 20 to 29 found that those who ejaculated at least 21 times every four weeks had up to a 33% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated four to seven times a month.

Despite the generally positive findings, one major uncertainty is whether ejaculation reduces prostate cancer risk at all ages or only at specific ages. Some studies have noted variations in risk based on age. For example, the two studies mentioned above, one involving men in their twenties and the other involving older age groups, show different results regarding the recommended frequency of ejaculation.

Given the uncertainties and diverse research methods used, the authors of this latest review conclude that it is still not possible to definitively determine the impact of ejaculation on prostate cancer risk. The only certain fact is that a link exists, highlighting the need for further investigation before making definitive recommendations, although it does seem that the studies are erring on the side that more often is better.