HAVE you ever heard about the claim that having more sex and ejaculating more reduces the risk of prostate cancer. This is a health tip that may sound pretty good to many men. Have more sex, or masturbate more and you might lower your odds of getting prostate cancer. Could it be true?
Over the years there’s been growing interest in establishing a link between sex and prostate cancer. This September, Talk Cancer Zim continues on its mandate to raise awareness on cancer, educating men within the country about prostate cancer and one of the frequently asked questions is: Can sex lower prostate cancer risk?
What does science really say?
Since the prostate is a reproductive organ that produces fluid for ejaculation, researchers have long wondered if sex can influence a man’s risk of prostate cancer. There are some researches that have been carried out and found a possible link between ejaculation and lower chances of prostate cancer. The best evidence so far comes from a 2016 analysis of about 32 000 men over 18 years. This analysis found that people who ejaculated at least 21 days every month had a 20% lower chance of getting prostate cancer compared with those who ejaculated four to seven times a month. As you can imagine, this study had some flaws. It relied on people to remember how much they ejaculated, it was a survey rather than analysing of the participants’ ongoing sexual activity over time. So let’s face it, memory isn’t perfect . It also seems how you ejaculate doesn’t really matter — sex, masturbation or wet dreams.
Unlocking the hidden
While research is promising in this area, there’s a lot scientists need to learn. Scientists don’t know if ejaculation during sex and masturbation have the same benefits. It’s also unclear why ejaculation may help the prostate. Health experts aren’t sure, some believe that it can flush out harmful chemicals that might build up in semen. Scientists also don’t know how much sex is considered optimal for one to reduce the risk of prostate.
Additionally, these kind of theories can put a mental strain on men. While some men in Zimbabwe have normalised the pressures that come with trying to satisfy their sexual partners, others resort to sex performance enhancement substances such as testosterone boosters or supplements to enhance libido, sexual stamina or overall sex performance. There are a lot of concerns raised regarding their potential impact on prostate health and they are not recommended.
On the other hand, some studies have not established the benefit of having more sex. The results are, therefore, inconclusive. Some researchers conclude that age is a more significant factor with regards to risk than ejaculation frequency.
Source NewsDay
