Masturbation can lower prostate cancer risk: expert

Health

By Alexandra Klausner

Your health is in your hands when it comes to cancer prevention, says an expert.

Dr Daniel Kelly, a lecturer in biochemistry at Sheffield Hallam University, wrote an article in Conversation in which he explains why men who masturbate frequently could prevent prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men behind lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate adds fluid to semen and also helps pass semen through men’s urethra when they reach orgasm.

Kelly shared various studies showing how masturbation could help men take control of their health.

A Harvard University study found that men who ejaculate 21 times per month, whether from masturbation or sexual intercourse, are 31% less likely to develop prostate cancer than men. men who ejaculate only four to seven times per month.

He also said that seven of 11 studies over the past 33 years have all found that ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer. A review of these studies was published in Clinical Genitourinary Cancer earlier this year.

Kelly said that while researchers don’t know exactly why masturbation is so healthy, he has some theories.

“Although the mechanisms are not completely understood, these studies are consistent with the idea that ejaculation may reduce prostate cancer by decreasing the concentration of toxins and crystal structures that can accumulate in the prostate and potentially cause tumors,” he wrote in Conversation.

“Similarly, ejaculation may alter the immune response within the prostate by reducing inflammation – a known risk factor for cancer development – ​​or increasing immune defense against tumor cells,” he said. he adds.

Kelly said masturbating also releases tension, calming the nervous system and preventing prostate cells from quickly diving and becoming cancerous.

He also noted that there may be a link between low testosterone levels and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Men with low testosterone generally have less libido. He said men with higher testosterone levels may have a greater desire to masturbate or have sex, thereby reducing their risk.

“Sexual activity and ejaculation have benefits beyond the prostate, including positive effects on the heart, brain, immune system, sleep and mood,” Kelly said.

“So while the link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer is not fully understood and there is a real need for further research, frequent ejaculation (within reason) will certainly not “no harm, will probably do good and therefore should be part of a healthy lifestyle for a man,” he added.