There’s been a lot of debate over the years as to whether sex and masturbation are healthy biological processes or – ahem -morally questionable pastimes. Well, the results are in… and the news is good, guys!
You’ll be pleased to know that there’s no truth whatsoever in the old saying that too much of “that sort of thing” will cause blindness, hairy palms, or any other adverse and bizarre health effects, for that matter.
On the contrary, in fact, increasing amounts of research suggest that frequent sex and/or masturbation can lower your risk of prostate cancer and have other positive effects on your overall health. (1)
Let’s face it, the male reproductive system is less a thing of beauty and more a matter of function. If left unused, it can seize up like any other motor.
Function of the Prostate Gland
Most of us have heard about the prostate gland and know it has something to do with the male reproductive system. But what exactly is the prostate gland?
This apricot-sized gland weighs in at about 1 ounce and is a crucial component of your family jewels. Its primary function is to produce and secrete prostate fluid, a significant component of semen. (2)
The muscles of your prostate gland also help propel the seminal fluid forward during ejaculation. This burst is nature’s way of giving all those little swimmers a bit of a boost to get them where they need to go.
The prostate gland is located rather snugly around the urethra, just in front of the rectum and below the bladder. Due to its central location around other vital body parts, any issues with enlargement of the prostate can cause painful and irritating symptoms.
These can include frequent urination, pain or stiffness in the pelvic area, and urinary incontinence. Symptoms like these are a common complaint among aging gentleman. (3)
Sometimes, however, the symptoms are a sign of something more serious, including prostate cancer. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to pay attention to your unmentionables and keep them in optimum working order.
How? According to research, increasing the frequency of sex or masturbation can be a useful tool in preventing prostate cancer.
Studies show that when ejaculation is not frequent, inflammatory cells can gather in the seminal vesicles next to the prostate gland. This inflammation might be a causal factor in the development of cancer cells. (4)
Science confirms it, and the figures don’t lie!
- The prostate gland is located below the bladder, surrounding the urethra.
- Its primary function is to produce and secrete prostate fluid, a significant component of semen.
- An enlarged prostate can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or stiffness in the pelvic area, and urinary incontinence.
- Research indicates that infrequent ejaculation may result in inflammatory cells forming in the seminal vesicles near the prostate gland, potentially leading to the development of cancer cells.
Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer Risk
The results of a major study published in 2016 tracked 32,000 men for 18 years to gather some scientific data. The questions of the survey related to how often they ejaculated, including sex and masturbation.
The results found that guys who ejaculated an average of 21 times a month experienced a 20 percent decrease in their risk of prostate cancer compared to guys who ejaculated only four to seven times a month.
The results in this study were consistent across a range of age groups. While the evidence in this particular study being rather conclusive, there are some cautions to consider before giving it too much weight.
Inconsistent results have been reported in other smaller studies, leading researchers to question whether the reduced risk factor is directly related to ejaculation or is a result of other coinciding factors, such as age and healthy lifestyle choices. Results also indicate that ejaculation does not offer the same risk reduction against more aggressive types of prostate cancer.
Scientists currently dispute whether masturbation offers all the same health benefits as sex. Sex can benefit men in a whole host of ways, including lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing general stress levels.
Studies consistently show that masturbation does not, however, carry these same benefits. In fact, the chemical makeup of semen from masturbation is different from that produced during sex.
- An 18-year study of 32,000 men of varying age groups found that those who ejaculated an average of 21 times per month had a 20% lower risk for developing prostate cancer.
- Researchers are not certain whether these effects are from more frequent ejaculation or some other lifestyle factors.
- Having sex provides health benefits that masturbation doesn’t, including lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing general stress levels.
Conclusion
If you’re getting confused with all the facts and figures, here’s your takeaway: Sex and masturbation are healthy for you, as part of a healthy and balanced approach to living. Sex offers more physical benefits, including improvements to cardiovascular health and reduced overall stress levels.
According to some research studies, however, ejaculation from either sex or masturbation might help reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Further research is required in this area to clearly define the reasons for the correlation between increased ejaculation and reduced risk of prostate cancer.
See Also: The Best Prostate Supplements of 2023.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/ejaculation-prostate-cancer-risk#1
- https://www.livescience.com/32751-what-does-the-prostate-gland-do.html
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000381.htm
- https://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2014/04/14/1055-9965.EPI-13-1126.abstract
Mark McIntyre is the founder of MaleHealthReview.com and acts as it’s chief contributor. He is a fitness trainer and avid mountain biker who also enjoys camping, hiking and fishing. Besides managing Male Health Review, Mark is also a guest columnist for several blogs related to men’s health. More about this author…
