Scientists still don't know what causes prostate cancer. That said, they have determined that certain things can increase — or reduce — your risk of developing this disease.
Researchers have long wondered whether or not there's a link with ejaculation — after all, the prostate gland plays an important role in supplying semen. Now, emerging studies are showing that coming more frequently actually reduces your risk of this common cancer.
For the study, researchers began collecting information about nearly 30,000 male volunteers between the ages of 46 and 81 starting in 1986 all the way through the year 2000. The volunteers provided information about their average number of ejaculations per month (whether from masturbation or sex) in young adulthood, middle age, and their most recent year of life. What the scientists found from their data is that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer.
So, is getting off more regularly the secret to preventing prostate cancer? Not quite — but here’s what experts want you to know.
The Link Between Ejaculation and Prostate Cancer
“There are several theories regarding how the frequency of ejaculation may affect the risk of developing prostate cancer,” says Dr. Ramit Singh Sambyal, MD, a general physician with 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 the prostatic fluid.
“Additionally, ejaculation may also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate tissue, both of which are known to contribute to cancer development,” adds Sambyal. “Another possible explanation is that ejaculation can affect the hormonal balance in the body, potentially lowering the levels of testosterone and estrogen, which may influence prostate cell growth and differentiation.”
Another possibility, says Elist, is that frequent ejaculation might reduce the risk of crystalline deposits in the prostatic duct, which could lead to inflammation and increase malignancy risks.
“These are all theories, though, and further research is needed to solidify them,” adds Elist.
Should You Be Ejaculating More Often?
Before you start stressing about how often you’re able to have an orgasm, here’s something to keep in mind. According to Elist and Sambyal, the link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk is not necessarily conclusive at this point.
“Some studies have found a significant association between higher ejaculation frequency and lower prostate cancer risk, while others have found no association,” says Sambyal. “Therefore, it is impossible to make a definitive recommendation on how often men should ejaculate to prevent prostate cancer.”
As Elist puts it, the etiology of prostate cancer is “multi-faceted.” In other words, ejaculation is not the only factor at play here.
“The environment, genetics, and lifestyle all play roles,” Elist tells AskMen. “Regular sexual activity might have benefits, but it should be viewed as one of many aspects of health and wellness, rather than as a singular protective measure.”
All that said, Sambyal notes that it’s unlikely ejaculating more frequently would increase your risk of prostate cancer — so it probably can’t hurt to get off more often.
“Ejaculation may also have other benefits for physical and mental health, such as improving mood, reducing stress, enhancing sexual function, and boosting immunity,” Sambyal adds.
Other Ways to Reduce Your Prostate Cancer Risk Race, age, family history, and genetic mutations can all play a role in your risk of developing prostate cancer. Obviously, you have no control over any of these factors. But there are some risk factors that are modifiable, says Sambyal — such as your diet, weight, amount of physical activity, and alcohol consumption.
“However, some factors are modifiable, such as your weight and diet. In order to reduce your prostate cancer risk, Sambyal and Elist recommend making the following lifestyle changes:
- Aim for a balanced diet: Sambyal recommends incorporating as many fruits and veggies as possible in your diet, and limiting your saturated and trans fat intake. “Some foods that may have protective effects against prostate cancer include tomatoes, soybeans, green tea, coffee, fish, and nuts,” he adds.
- Maintain a healthy weight: According to Elist, obesity can increase inflammation in the body, which may then stimulate prostate cancer growth. Sambyal says that obesity can also increase your risk of prostate cancer by negatively impacting your hormone levels. If you’re having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, consider talking to your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized diet and exercise guidance.
- Make exercise a priority: One thing that can help you stay at a healthy weight — thus reducing your prostate cancer risk — is physical activity “Physical activity may also lower your risk of prostate cancer by improving your metabolism, immune system, and blood circulation,” says Sambyal. Studies suggest that vigorous activity has the strongest effect — so, try opting for higher-intensity workouts once or twice a week, or using intervals to alternate between all-out effort and recovery.
- Quit smoking: “Smoking may increase your risk of prostate cancer by damaging your DNA and increasing oxidative stress,” explains Sambyal.
- Limit your alcohol intake: “Alcohol may increase your risk of prostate cancer by interfering with your hormone balance and metabolism,” says Sambyal. Results from studies on the link between alcohol and prostate cancer risk are mixed. However, a 2016 review found that men who consume high amounts of alcohol over their lifetimes may be more likely to develop prostate cancer, and research from a 2020 study showed that consuming liquor or high amounts of red wine could both be risk factors for the disease.