What Is The Link Between Masturbation And Prostate Cancer
It is the glands role in semen production that has led scientists to a possible link between masturbation and prostate cancer. Whilst nothing has been confirmed with any certainty, it is thought that frequent ejaculatory activity whether that is masturbation, sex, or wet dreams as a young man means better prostate health as you age.
This is believed to be due to the fact that, in early adulthood, your prostate is still developing and that what happens in this period can affect the glands health for the rest of your life. This shouldnt be surprising. In fact, its a similar process to that of sunburn greater exposure to the sun as a child means a higher risk of cancer as you age.
What Are Symptoms Of Prostatitis
How you feel will help your doctor diagnose the type of prostatitis you have. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is an inflammation of the prostate and the nerves to this area. Pain from CP/CPPS can last for weeks to months. This is NOT an infection. Symptoms are:
- Trouble passing urine
- Pain in and around the bladder, testicles, penis and/or anus
- Pain with ejaculation
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis is from bacteria and is less common. It is known to come and go over a long period of time at least three months. Symptoms can be:
- A burning feeling while passing urine
- The need to pass urine often
- Pain in and around the bladder, testicles, penis and/or anus
- Pain with ejaculation
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis is also from bacteria and is less common. Symptoms for this problem can begin suddenly and can be very painful. Men should get medical care right away. Symptoms include:
- Chills
- Very painful burning while passing urine
- Trouble draining the bladder
Nonbacterial Prostatitis may be from stress, nerve irritation, injuries or past urinary tract infections. This form of prostatitis has no signs of bacteria in the urine or semen.
How Common Is Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the most common urinary tract problem for men younger than age 50 and the third most common urinary tract problem for men older than age 50.1 Prostatitis accounts for about two million visits to health care providers in the United States each year.2
Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome is
- the most common and least understood form of prostatitis.
- can occur in men of any age group.
- affects 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. male population.3
Read Also: Bisphosphonates For Prostate Cancer
Will Masturbation Cause Prostatitis
Most men have the habit of masturbation, proper masturbation can help relieve sexual pressure and avoid discomfort caused by long-term sexual depression. However, frequent masturbation can cause prostate hyperemia and it will last for a long time, which can easily lead to chronic prostatitis. However, will masturbation definitely lead to prostatitis? we need to think about this question from an objective perspective.
- Shop 1-3, Nan Hu Xin Cheng, Wenchang Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Q& A
How Are Bacterial Forms Of Prostatitis Managed Or Treated
Antibiotics can kill bacteria that cause bacterial types of prostatitis. Men with acute bacterial prostatitis may need 14 to 30 days of antibiotics, starting with IV antibiotics in the hospital. Rarely, men need surgery to drain an abscess on the prostate.
Treating chronic bacterial prostatitis is challenging. You may need up to three months of antibiotics to sterilize the prostate. If the prostate cant be sterilized, low-dose antibiotics can be used long term to prevent recurrences. Some men need surgery to remove prostate stones or scar tissue in the urethra. Rarely, surgeons remove part or all of the prostate gland .
You May Like: Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect A Man Sexually
You May Like: Zones Of Prostate
Not All Guys Masturbate
A 2016 study discovered a fairly groundbreaking statistic about masturbation: Only 57 percent of straight men masturbate on a regular basis. According to study author Debby Herbenick, Ph.D., the reason for this can vary. Some men could just be having lots of sex with their partners. For others, it could simply be a lack of interest. While for others, a suggested 14 to 17 percent, its a matter of a low desire.
Its probably nothing to worry about if you fall into the category of non-masturbatorsand ditto if you masturbate a lot. As long as your masturbation frequency doesnt interfere with your daily life, too much and masturbation dont belong in the same sentence.
Connection Between Ejaculation And Prostate Cancer
The amount of ejaculations included those from sexual intercourse, masturbation and nocturnal emissions . The one study found that men who ejaculated 21 or more time a month had a 33% decreased chance of developing prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated 4-7 times a month. The second study showed that men who averaged 4-7 ejaculations a week showed a 36% decreased chance of developing prostate cancer, before the age of 70, as compared to men who ejaculated less than 2-3 times a week.
It’s not known how this increased rate of ejaculation leads to a decreased risk of prostate cancer. The theory behind it is that ejaculation expels potentially harmful or irritating substances from the prostate, thereby decreasing the chances of the occurrence of a malignancy.
Don’t Miss: How To Find The Prostate Gland Externally
Prostate Cancer Diagnoses And Treatment
All cancer is complex, but prostate cancer testing and treatment is particularly complicated.
In some men with prostate cancer, the cancer will grow very slowly, and wont significantly affect them during their lifetime. Other mens prostate cancer can grow and spread very quickly. At the moment, there is no test that can tell what type of prostate cancer a man has when he is diagnosed.
Because some treatments for prostate cancer can cause side effects which might impact on quality of life, its important for men to discuss with their doctor all their options for testing and treatment, and to discuss these with their partners and families. These might include watchful waiting, which means waiting to see what the cancer does over time, radiation, surgery or taking medications.
You can read more about what kinds of questions to ask your doctors about prostate cancer testing and treatment on the Cancer Council website.
How To Lower Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Take these steps to help protect yourself from this common cancer in men.
Prostate cancer affects more than 50% of men by the time theyre 80. This year, over 248,000 men in the U.S. may be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society . Making a few changes in your life may help you avoid being one of them.
The prostate is a small gland that is about as big as a walnut. Located between the penis and the bladder, it makes fluid that helps sperm cells swim. The gland also controls the flow of urine. One sign that you may have prostate cancer is that your bathroom habits have changedyou may find it harder to pee, have a weaker stream or get up often during the night to go to the bathroom. Since these things can also happen if you dont have prostate cancer, its best to see a doctor.
Although it may not be possible to completely prevent prostate cancer, here are some things you can do to lower your risk of developing the disease:
Recommended Reading: Perineural Spread
Why Can Ejaculating Protect Your Prostate
One explanation is that when you ejaculate you eliminate toxins present in the semen. This decreases the amount of substances in the body that cause irritation and can lead to the appearance of tumours. It is not yet possible to determine whether there is a difference in the level of protection when ejaculation is the result of masturbation or sexual intercourse.
Sector-108, Noida
- DF-10, Duplex Flora, Near Parx Laureate or Near CNG Pump of Sector-108, Noida
- 6.30 PM to 8.30 PM 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Vaishali, Ghaziabad
- W-3, Near Radisson Blu Hotel, Sector 1, Vaishali, Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201012
- 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Sector 19, Noida
- A364, A Block, Pocket A, Sector 19, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Happy Men Forget The Last Time They Masturbated
Yep, thats right: A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that men overestimate how much they masturbate, on average, but men in a good mood actually underestimate how often they yank their crank. Guys might overshoot in an attempt to confirm to gender stereotypes, but researchers dont have an explanation for why a good mood makes self-love forgettable.
Read Also: Does Prostatitis Go Away On Its Own
Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
In its early stages, prostate cancer doesnt necessarily cause symptoms. Men with prostate cancer might experience some of the following symptoms:
- needing to pee frequently or suddenly
- finding it difficult to pee, including trouble getting started or maintaining a strong or steady flow
- feeling like you havent completely emptied your bladder after going to the toilet
- pain, burning or discomfort when peeing
- blood in pee or semen
- or pain in the lower back, upper thighs, hips or chest
- feelings of weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- unexplained weightloss
- feeling tired, short of breath or dizzy
- a rapid heart beat
- pale skin.
Youll notice a lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of other conditions, including an enlarged prostate or prostatitis, which is why its important to always see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or changes.
What Is The Evidence
Much of the public conversation surrounding this potential link came from a massive study conducted by researchers at Harvard University. Published in 2004, the study followed 29,342 men aged between 46 and 81 over an eight-year period. They were required to provide details on the historical frequency of their ejaculations and were given follow-up questionnaires every two years.
Specifically, they were asked the average number of times per month that they ejaculated during their twenties, their forties, and in the last year. Whilst the researchers were actually testing the hypothesis that frequent masturbation increases the risk of prostate cancer, the results suggested that the opposite was true.
Compared to those who only masturbated 4-7 times a month in their twenties, those who masturbated 21 times monthly showed a 31% decrease in their risk of developing prostate cancer in their later life. Masturbating a lot seemed to make prostate cancer a third less likely.
These results seemed to be corroborated by another study too. Investigating just over 2,000 men, this Australian study looked at the frequency of ejaculation between their twenties and forties. It found that men who ejaculated an average of 4.6 to 7 times a week had a 36% reduced chance of contracting prostate cancer before the age of 70 than those who only did it twice a week.
Don’t Miss: How Are Fiducial Markers Placed In The Prostate
The Prostate Gland And Prostate Cancer
The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that sits around the urethra, the outlet tube for urine, just below the bladder. The glands surface is usually smooth and regular. The prostate is about the size of a walnut.
The prostate gland releases a clear fluid into the urethra that represents up to a third of the semen during ejaculation. One of the functions of the fluid is to carry the sperm and help sperm movement.
The prostate also helps the drive of semen during ejaculation.
Other Causes Of Prostate Cancer
While masturbation and testosterone levels may affect your chances, there are other factors that we know for sure play a role. For example, as with all cancers, older men are much more likely to develop prostate cancer than younger men.
Your genetics are one of the most important risk factors for prostate cancer too. If you have people in your family that have developed prostate cancer, you are more likely to develop it yourself. Interestingly, if people in your family have had breast cancer, your chance of developing prostate cancer is increased too.
Obesity is another risk factor that deserves a mention. One study found that men with obesity were 20% more likely to develop prostate cancer than lean men, whilst those severely obese were 34% more likely. Unfortunately, however, obese men are more likely to develop particularly aggressive forms of prostate cancer too.
Recommended Reading: Testicular Cancer Awareness Color
Does Masturbation Prevent Cancer
Although it is not yet possible to state this categorically, it is very likely that the relationship exists. Research carried out at different universities has shown a correlation between the number of ejaculations and the reduction in the risk of prostate cancer.
Scientists have found that the incidence of the disease is lower in young people who enjoy five to seven times a week and also in older men who ejaculate once a week. However, this was only a correlation and it is not possible to guarantee 100% the benefit since factors such as food, physical activity and better medical care were not isolated in the studies and may have influenced the result.
When To See A Doctor
It is normal to have problems ejaculating from time to time. People who can ejaculate occasionally are unlikely to need medical treatment. Those who intentionally avoid ejaculation also do not need further healthcare.
It is worth seeing a doctor if the problem is due to sexual dysfunction. For example, people who regularly experience issues or are unable to ejaculate at all should consult a healthcare professional.
Many causes of sexual dysfunction are psychological. Talking to a partner about these problems is one way to address these issues. A mental health professional can also help.
Read Also: What Happens If Prostate Cancer Goes Untreated
There Is Actually A Wrong Way To Masturbate
Youve probably heard of sex injuries, but how about masturbation injuries? It seems like if youre the one behind the wheel you should know when enough is enough, but for some that message isnt very loud and clear. A study published in the journal Trauma and Acute Care Surgery found that 60 percent of penile fractures occur during masturbation. Other horrors include strangulation from being squeezed too tight and gangrene from infected wounds opened by excessive chafing. Read more about The Worst Masturbation Mistakes You Can Make.
What Is The Difference Between Kidney Stones And Prostate Stones
Kidney stones are solid stones made of minerals that form within the kidneys when your body is having difficulty filtering excess water and waste. Kidney stones affect both men and women and can result in sudden, severe pain in the abdomen, side, or lower back, a burning sensation when you urinate, and problems with urination.
Prostate stones are poppy seed-sized stones that form within the prostate. Only men can have prostate stones. Some men may experience lower back pain or pain in the penis or perineum. Typically, prostate stones do not cause any problems or symptoms. However, if prostate stones become infected, it can lead to urinary tract infections or prostatitis.
You May Like: Is Viagra Good For Enlarged Prostate
You May Like: Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect A Man Sexually
Men Should Ejaculate At Least 21 Times A Month To Slash Their Prostate Cancer Risk
Milking the cow is good for stress, anxiety and sleep too
Cum one cum all. We have a story that all men should take notice of.
According to researchers at Harvard University men should ejaculate at least 21 times a month in order to mitigate their prostate cancer risk.
For the study, which was published in the journal European Urology, 31,925 men provided their average monthly ejaculation frequencies. From that the researchers found that men who ejaculate more frequently also slash their chances of developing prostate cancer by a third.
“We evaluated whether ejaculation frequency throughout adulthood is related to prostate cancer risk in a large US-based study,” wrote the study’s authors.
“We found that men reporting higher compared to lower ejaculatory frequency in adulthood were less likely to be subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“These findings provide additional evidence of a beneficial role of more frequent ejaculation throughout adult life in the aetiology of PC , particularly for low-risk disease.”
But a reduced chance of getting prostate cancer isn’t the only benefit of milking the cow. Ejaculating more frequently has also been found to dramatically reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
“In addition to decreased feelings of pain, secretion of endorphins leads to feelings of euphoria, modulation of appetite, the release of sex hormones, and enhancement of the immune response,” says Medicine Net.
Study 3 Ejaculation Frequency And Subsequent Risk Of Prostate Cancer
An article published at the Harvard Medical School Annual Report on Prostate Diseases also claims that based on two extensive studies, frequent ejaculation wards off prostate cancer.
In the first study, about 29,000 men between the ages of 46 and 81 reported their average number of ejaculations per month in young adulthood , in mid-life , and in the most recent year. The ejaculations included masturbation, sexual intercourse, nocturnal emissions.
The participants provided information on their history of ejaculation frequency in a self-administered questionnaire in 1992 and responded to follow-up questionnaires every two years to 2000.
The results found that the risk of prostate cancer may be reduced for men who ejaculate 21 times or more per month. This was compared with men who only ejaculated 4-7 times a month.
Don’t Miss: Does Enlarged Prostate Affect Ejaculation