Frequent ejaculation and prostate cancer risk

Is there a link?

Over the past almost 20 years, a number of articles have claimed that ejaculating more often can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Some scientific evidence supports these claims, although results can be conflicting.

A 2004 study surveyed more than 29,000 men on their ejaculation frequency over a period of eight years. It found that men with a higher ejaculation frequency (21 times or more per month) may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who ejaculate four to seven times per month.

A 2016 study added a further 10 years of follow-up to the original 2004 study. The results reinforced the finding that men who ejaculate more frequently may be less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ejaculate less often.

Other studies have produced conflicting results:

Frequent ejaculation, age, and prostate cancer risk

It still remains unclear whether or not ejaculating more often makes males of all ages less likely to develop prostate cancer.

For example, an older 2003 study found that men who frequently ejaculated when they were younger appeared to have a reduced rate of prostate cancer later in life.

In contrast, a 2009 study found that frequent masturbation might reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men aged 50 and above. However, the same study also suggested that ejaculating more often might increase risk among men in their 20s and 30s.

A more recent 2017 study examined ejaculation frequency and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. It found that a higher ejaculation frequency in a male’s 30s was protective. However, it did not see the same effect for frequent ejaculation in a male’s 20s and 40s.

Moderate vs. frequent ejaculation

The 2004 and 2016 studies defined frequent ejaculation as ejaculating 21 or more times per month. However, it may also be possible for males who ejaculate at a more moderate frequency to reduce their prostate cancer risk.

A 2018 meta-analysis included 22 studies on sexual activity and prostate cancer risk. It found that a moderate ejaculation frequency of two to four times per week was significantly associated with a lower prostate cancer risk. This equates to a frequency of about 8–16 ejaculations per month.

The verdict: More research is needed

A 2016 literature review concluded that masturbation, frequency of ejaculation, and age all affect a male’s risk of prostate cancer. However, its authors also stated there was not enough evidence to confirm how these factors might link together.

Therefore, while some evidence suggests a link between ejaculating more often and the risk of prostate cancer, the results overall have been inconsistent. For this reason, scientists need to conduct more research to confirm what impact, if any, frequent ejaculation has on prostate cancer risk.

Risk factors for prostate cancer

Being aware of the risk factors for prostate cancer can help males understand their likelihood of developing it.

The following factors appear to make prostate cancer more likely:

• Age: As men get older, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases. Around 60% of prostate cancer cases affect males over 65.
• Race: African American males are more likely to develop prostate cancer than white males. Hispanic and Asian American males are less likely to develop prostate cancer than non-Hispanic white males. The reasons for these differences are currently unclear.
• Geography: Prostate cancer is more common in some areas. Rates are higher in North America, Europe, and Australia than in areas such as Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Experts do not know why, but lifestyle factors such as diet may play a role.
• Family history: Males have a higher risk of prostate cancer if they have close relatives, such as a father or brother, with a history of the condition.
• Genetic factors: Certain genetic changes may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Changes in the BRCA genes, which also increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, may play a role.
• Exposure to chemicals: It is possible that some chemicals may increase the risk of prostate cancer. For example, some findings suggest that Agent Orange — which military forces used in the Vietnam war — may have links with prostate cancer.

Prevention: Reducing the risk

According to the American Cancer Society, there is no definite way to prevent prostate cancer. However, it does suggest the following ways that a person can lower their risk:

• maintaining a moderate weight
• exercising regularly
• eating a healthy diet that focuses on foods such as whole grains, fresh produce, and leaner protein sources
• reducing the consumption of red meat, processed foods, or foods that are high in sugar or refined carbohydrates

Medications

Drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride) may help to lower prostate cancer risk, though doctors do not typically use them in this manner and the effects are not yet well known. Doctors typically use these drugs to treat an enlarged prostate, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved them for preventing prostate cancer.

In 2018, the FDA warned of the potential low risk of a more serious form of prostate cancer from using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, so doctors will need to weigh the risks and benefits before considering them. A person should talk with their doctor if they are interested in learning more about these drugs.

Ultimately, if a person is using these medications, it should be taken into account when screening for prostate cancer.

Early detection

Regular screening with blood tests or rectal exams can aid in the early detection of prostate cancer and improve the chances of successful treatment.

Males who receive a diagnosis when the cancer is still within the prostate or has only spread to nearby tissues have, on average, an almost 100% chance of surviving at least another 5 years.

Someone who receives a diagnosis in the later stages, when cancer has spread to other, more distant, parts of the body, has a 31% chance of living another 5 years or more.

For this reason, it is important to speak with a doctor about screening.

Transgender people assigned male at birth should also ask their doctor about screening. This is because they may still have a risk of developing prostate cancer following gender confirmation procedures.

Takeaway

Research suggests that there may be a link between frequent ejaculation and a lower risk of prostate cancer. However, there is not currently enough evidence to confirm this.

All males and anyone assigned male at birth should speak with their doctor about their risk factors and follow any screening guidelines the doctor recommends