Men who ejaculate infrequently each month might be at greater risk for prostate cancer, according to a recent study. Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, with one in eight men expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime and over 35,000 deaths annually in the US.
The disease is most common in men over 65 and disproportionately affects African American and Caribbean men. It is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men after lung cancer.
Researchers from Harvard University studied nearly 32,000 men for 18 years and discovered that those who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a 20% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to men who ejaculated fewer times.
The study, published in European Urology, concluded that more frequent ejaculation could play a protective role in preventing prostate cancer, particularly less aggressive forms. While some experts believe this may be due to the removal of harmful substances from the prostate, others suggest that men who ejaculate more might also engage in healthier behaviors.
Dr. Anne Calvaresi of the Urology Care Foundation notes that further research is needed to confirm these findings.
