The precise mechanism by which frequent ejaculation may guard against prostate cancer is unknown to scientists. Ejaculation is thought to clear the prostate gland of substances that can lead to inflammation, infection, and cancer. But this quote raises a deep concern, based on the addiction that
Despite strong evidence in favor of frequent ejaculation, the theory remains controversial. And there are conflicting findings. The greatest controversy regarding these studies is about the age when ejaculation occurs.
A 2008 study determined that men were more likely to develop prostate cancer if they were very sexually active in their twenties and thirties. The study also found no conclusive evidence that masturbation provides greater risk than intercourse.
The Harvard study did not support the age-related findings from the 2008 study. It did demonstrate that the advantages increase with age in men, but it did not find a correlation between the age of ejaculation and an increased risk of prostate cancer. The Australian study demonstrated a reduced risk of prostate cancer if frequent ejaculation occurred during young adulthood.
Ejaculation also doesn’t seem to protect against advanced or aggressive prostate cancer.
More research is needed to better understand the relationship between prostate cancer and ejaculation.
How much is your risk reduced?
An 18-year Harvard study of nearly 30,000 health professionals determined that the risk of prostate cancer was reduced by 20 percent for men who ejaculated 21 times a month, compared to men who ejaculated four to seven times a month.
A similar Australian study found the risk was reduced by 36 percent when men ejaculated seven times a week.