2023-05-28 07:47:14
The prostate gland plays an important role in ejaculation. Many people believe that frequent ejaculation can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that produces the fluid in semen and helps expel this fluid during ejaculation. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In fact, regarding 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Since prostate cancer is very common, it is important to know and understand the risk factors. This article examines whether or not frequent ejaculation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It also explains some other risk factors and why screening is important.
Is there a link between prostate cancer and ejaculation frequency?
In recent years, a number of articles have claimed that ejaculating more often can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Some scientific evidence supports these claims.
For example, according to a 2016 study, men who ejaculate more often are less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ejaculate less often.
This research follows a 2004 survey that came to a similar conclusion. Both studies found that men who ejaculate 21 or more times per month may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who ejaculate four to seven times per month.
A 2009 study found that frequent masturbation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men aged 50 and over. However, the same study also suggested that more frequent ejaculation might increase the risk in men aged 20 to 30. A 2016 literature review concludes that masturbation, ejaculation frequency, and age all affect the risk of prostate cancer in men.
To be definitively clear, scientists must conduct further research to confirm the impact of frequent ejaculation on the risk of prostate cancer and above all to explain the cause and effect link.
Risk factors for prostate cancer
Knowing the risk factors for prostate cancer can help men understand their likelihood of developing it.
The following factors seem to make prostate cancer more likely:
– Age: The older men get, the greater their risk of developing prostate cancer. In fact, regarding 60% of prostate cancer cases occur in men over the age of 65.
-Geography: Prostate cancer is more common in certain regions. For example, rates are higher in North America and Europe than in Central and South America. Experts don’t know why, but diet might be a factor.
– Family history: Men have a higher risk of prostate cancer if they have close relatives with a history of this disease.
– Genetic factors: Certain genetic modifications can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Changes in BRCA genes, which also increase breast cancer risk, may play a role.
– Exposure to chemicals: Certain chemicals can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
– Diet: Some researchers believe that diet may influence the risk of prostate cancer. Dietary habits that may help reduce the risk include limiting fat intake and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Reduce the risk of prostate cancer
In 2014, researchers suggested that the following lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer:
– stop smoking
– exercise regularly
The importance of early detection
A person can talk to their doctor regarding screening for prostate cancer. Regular screening with blood tests or rectal exams can ensure early detection of prostate cancer and improve the chances of successful treatment. Men who are diagnosed while the cancer is still inside the prostate or has spread only to nearby tissue have, on average, almost a 100% chance of surviving at least 5 more years.
A person who is diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, has a 30% chance of living another 5 years or more.
That’s why it’s important to talk to a doctor regarding screening.
Sources
Cuzick, J., et al. (2014). Prevention and early detection of prostate cancer.
Giles, G. G., et al. (2003). Sexual factors and prostate cancer.
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