Does ejaculating prevent prostate cancer?
Throughout the years, there have been many attempts to identify practices or food that prevent prostate cancer.
While there is no proof of this, the 2016 study has received worldwide attention given the sheer size of the population examined: 31,925 men.
Since 1986, the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study has collected information about these men. In 1992, participants disclosed their number of ejaculations per month at three stages in their life: young adulthood (20 to 29), middle age (40–49), and in the most recent year. The ejaculations included those during sexual intercourse, natural ones, and masturbation.
How many ejaculations per month reduce the risk of low-grade prostate cancer?
21 ejaculations per month reduced prostate cancer risk by 20% compared to those that had an average of 7 ejaculations.
Does frequent ejaculation help to prevent all prostate cancers?
Data shows that the benefit may be only linked to reducing the risk of low-grade prostate cancer.
Are there other studies that show this link?
An Australian study looking at 2,338 men came to the same conclusion. There is possible protection for all age groups.
In 2018, 21 studies were reviewed and concluded that ejaculating 2–4 times per week showed a lower risk of low-grade prostate cancer.
Other studies have shown that men who had fewer sexual partners or started their sex life later had a lower chance of cancer.
Why is there a decreased risk for those men who ejaculate more?
While there is no solid proof, scientists think that frequent ejaculation gets rid of certain substances, toxins, and irritants that can potentially cause prostate cancer. This came to be known as the prostate stagnation hypothesis.
Can I trust these studies?
There is no solid proof; many other variables could have an impact, and more research needs to be done.
What can I do to prevent or decrease the risk of prostate cancer?
1. Healthy diet with fish, lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grain intake.
2. Regular exercise is crucial.
3. Keep a healthy weight. Men with lean body weight tend to do better than those overweight.
4. Introduce lycopene (antioxidant) in your diet. There is no recommended daily intake for lycopene. However, studies showed a moderate benefit of 8–21 mg daily. Lycopene-containing food include (Tomatoes - Sun-dried / purée / canned, pomegranat Guava, Watermelon, Papaya).
