Scientists still don't know what causes prostate cancer. However, they have determined that certain factors may increase or decrease the risk of developing this disease.
ContentThe link between ejaculation and prostate cancerShould you ejaculate more often?Other ways to reduce the risk of prostate cancer
Researchers have long wondered whether there is a link to ejaculation, since the prostate gland plays an important role in sperm production. Recent research shows that ejaculating more frequently actually reduces your risk of developing this common cancer.
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For the study, scientists collected information on nearly 30,000 male volunteers aged 46 to 81 from 1986 to 2000. Volunteers provided information on the average number of ejaculations per month (whether from masturbation or sex) during youth, middle age, and the last year of life. From their data, the scientists found that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a 31% lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
So is ejaculating more regularly the secret to preventing prostate cancer? Not really, but here's what the experts want you to know.
The link between ejaculation and prostate cancer
«There are several theories as to how the frequency of ejaculation may affect the risk of developing prostate cancer,” says Dr. Ramit Singh Sambyal, MD, General Practitioner from ClinicSpots.
According to Dr. James Elist, MD, a urologist in private practice and inventor of the Penuma® implant, one theory is that ejaculation may help clear the prostate gland of toxic, cancer-causing substances that can accumulate in prostatic fluid.
“In addition, ejaculation may also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in prostate tissue, which are known to contribute to the development of cancer,” adds Sambyal. «Another possible explanation is that ejaculation may affect the hormonal balance in the body, potentially reducing testosterone and estrogen levels, which may affect the growth and differentiation of prostate cells.
Another possibility , according to Elista, is that frequent ejaculation may reduce the risk of crystalline deposits forming in the prostate ducts, which can lead to inflammation and an increased risk of malignancy.
«However, these are all theories, and further research is needed to confirm them,” adds Elist.
Should you ejaculate more often?
< p>Before you start worrying about the frequency of your orgasms, here are some things to keep in mind. According to Elista and Sambyal, at this time, the link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk is not conclusively proven.
«Some studies have found a significant association between higher ejaculation frequency and a lower risk of prostate cancer. while others found no connection,” says Sambyal. «Therefore, it is impossible to make a definitive recommendation on how often men should ejaculate to prevent prostate cancer.
According to Elista, the etiology of prostate cancer is “multifaceted.” Ejaculation isn't the only factor that plays a role.
«Environment, genetics and lifestyle all play a role», says Elist. «Regular sexual activity may have its benefits, but it should be seen as one of many aspects of health and well-being, and not as a sole protective measure.
However, Sambyal notes that more frequent Ejaculating is unlikely to increase your risk of prostate cancer, so it probably won't hurt to ejaculate more often.
“Ejaculation may also have other physical and mental health benefits, such as improved mood, reduced stress, improved sexual function and increased immunity,” adds Sambyal.
Other ways to reduce your risk of prostate cancer
Race, age, family history, and genetic mutations may play a role in your risk of developing prostate cancer. Obviously, you can't control any of these factors. But there are some modifiable risk factors, Sambyal says, such as diet, weight, physical activity level and alcohol consumption.
To reduce your risk of prostate cancer, Sambyal and Elist recommend making the following lifestyle changes:
- Aim for a balanced diet: include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet and limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. Foods that may have a protective effect against prostate cancer include tomatoes, soybeans, green tea, coffee, fish and nuts.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase inflammation in the body, which can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer . If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, seek help from a doctor or dietitian.
- Make exercise a priority: Helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of prostate cancer by improving metabolism, immune system, and circulation.< /li>
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of prostate cancer by damaging DNA and increasing oxidative stress.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can disrupt hormonal balance and metabolism, increasing the risk of prostate cancer.