“Doctor, I heard that ejaculating more than 21 times a month can prevent prostate cancer. Is that true?”
This claim isn’t entirely baseless.
It originates from a Harvard study published in 2016 in the prestigious journal European Urology (Impact Factor: 23.4).
The study investigated the link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, tracking over 30,000 men for 18 years.
l What Did the Study Find?
Let’s delve into the scientific basis behind this research.
-Research Methodology
This large prospective study used data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS).
It involved 31,925 U.S. male health professionals who reported their average monthly ejaculation frequency in 1992.
They were followed for 18 years until 2010.
Participants reported their monthly ejaculation frequency at three life stages: ages 20-29, ages 40-49, and the year prior to the survey.
These data were used to analyze the relationship between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk.
The study employed Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for prostate cancer incidence.
Participants were divided into different groups based on reported ejaculation frequency.
Multivariate adjustments were made for potential confounding factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption, and physical activity.
Additionally, sensitivity analyses excluded participants with sexual dysfunction to minimize bias from associated low ejaculation frequency.
l Research Findings
The study found that higher ejaculation frequency (more than 21 times per month) was significantly associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer, particularly for low-risk prostate cancer.
For example:
- Men who reported higher ejaculation frequency in their 20s had a 19% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated 4-7 times per month.
- Men in their 40s with higher ejaculation frequency had a 22% lower risk.
However, the study found no significant reduction in the incidence of high-risk or metastatic prostate cancer associated with ejaculation frequency.
In summary, the study supports the idea that frequent ejaculation might help reduce the risk of low-risk prostate cancer.
l Can We Conclude That Ejaculating More Than 21 Times a Month Prevents Prostate Cancer?
The answer is “Not Yet!”
First, not all published research findings should be considered definitive conclusions.
A study is often published because of its significance, innovative methods, and potential for guiding future research.
In this case, the study was notable for its large sample size, long follow-up period, and rigorous statistical analysis.
However, it was an observational study based on self-reported questionnaires, which are prone to data bias.
The study aimed to identify associations, not establish cause and effect.
Moreover, since this was an observational study, it couldn’t entirely rule out the influence of unmeasured factors. Thus, a direct cause-and-effect conclusion cannot be drawn.
The Details Matter
According to the data:
- Men who ejaculated more than 21 times a month had about a 20% lower risk of developing low-risk prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated 4-7 times per month.
- However, increased ejaculation frequency did not significantly reduce the risk of high-risk or metastatic prostate cancer.
Thus, whether frequent ejaculation truly offers protective effects against prostate cancer still requires more research.
l How to Properly Prevent Prostate Cancer
First, understand the risk factors for prostate cancer, then adopt a comprehensive lifestyle approach, including:
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Follow a balanced diet (See related articles for dietary advice).
l Prostate Cancer Prevention Tips
1. Healthy Lifestyle:
Maintaining healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, can reduce the risk of many cancers.
2. Regular Check-ups:
Early detection and screening for prostate cancer, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams, are crucial, especially for high-risk men with a family history of the disease.
l Conclusion
While the study found that higher ejaculation frequency might be linked to a lower incidence of low-risk prostate cancer, it cannot be recommended as a prevention strategy.
Medical prevention efforts should focus on regular screening and a healthy lifestyle, not adjusting ejaculation frequency solely to prevent disease.
Understanding the relationship between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk requires more extensive research. In the meantime, maintaining healthy habits and staying informed remain the best ways to reduce cancer risk.
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