July 28th, 2016
Prostate cancer is the most frequently reported malignancy that affects more than 180,800 men each year in the United States alone (1). According to latest estimates, more than 14% men will develop prostate malignancy at some point of their life (1). Fortunately, due to advancements in the diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, the mortality is generally low, especially if the cancer is detected at an earlier age. But nevertheless, prostate malignancy can greatly compromise the quality of sex and reproductive life.
Due to extremely high prevalence and resulting deleterious effects on the fertility, the pathophysiology of prostate cancer has always been a hot topic for research. It was once believed that increased sexual activity can aggravate the risk of prostate cancer (2). The experts explained following two mechanisms to explain the association:
In fact according to a new meta-analysis reported in the Epidemiologic Reviews (3), investigators reported a higher risk of prostate malignancy in older men with increased sexual activity (more than three times per week).
At an average, about 38% of the elderly population (older than 60 years of age), engages at least 1-4 times per month in the sexual activity (4). Clinical data indicates that although libido decreases significantly with advancing age, many men continue to maintain a healthy sexual life even in their 80s. In fact about 14% of the elderly population admitted to engaging in 5 or more sexual encounters per month (4). Since the risk of prostate malignancy increases with advancing age, it is very important to investigate if prostate cancer is linked to higher sexual activity.
The answer is No. According to latest medical research reported in the Journal of American Medical Association (5), high frequency of sex is not associated with a higher risk of developing prostate malignancy. The prospective study in which investigators utilized the data and information from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1992-2000), it was observed that higher sexual activity (up to 21 times per month or more) is in fact protective against prostate cancer. Ejaculatory frequency refers to nocturnal emissions, masturbation as well as ejaculation after the sexual intercourse. The results of the study and inferences drawn are valuable because:
There is no proper explanation as to why increased sexual activity associated with a lower risk of malignancy, but investigators believes that higher ejaculatory frequency helps in preventing the accumulation of toxins in the gland; which reduces the risk of inflammation and carcinogenesis. In addition, high sexual activity is a marker of healthy prostate function. In other words, the chances of early detection of cancer is higher in men who have an active sex life. Various other clinical studies also suggests that maintaining a healthy sex life can have positive effects on physical, emotional and reproductive health.
1. Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., & Jemal, A. (2015). Cancer statistics, 2015. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 65(1), 5-29.
2. Krain, L. S. (1974). Some epidemiologic variables in prostatic carcinoma in California. Preventive medicine, 3(1), 154-159.
3. Strickler, H. D., & Goedert, J. J. (2015). Sexual behavior and evidence for an infectious cause of prostate cancer. Epidemiologic reviews, 23(1), 144-51.
4. Marsiglio, W., & Donnelly, D. (1991). Sexual relations in later life: a national study of married persons. Journal of Gerontology, 46(6), S338-S344.
5. Leitzmann, M. F., Platz, E. A., Stampfer, M. J., Willett, W. C., & Giovannucci, E. (2004). Ejaculation frequency and subsequent risk of prostate cancer. Jama, 291(13), 1578-1586.
Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Elist
Through experience, empathy, and patient empowerment, Dr. Elist offers a comprehensive and detail-oriented treatment plan for every patient. Schedule your consultation to discuss treatments for men in Los Angeles with premier surgeon Dr. James Elist, and begin your journey confident that your best results are just ahead of you.