Does sex reduce a man’s risk for prostate cancer?

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Research does suggest that certain aspects of sex, like number of sexual partners, age at first intercourse, and ejaculation frequency might affect prostate cancer risk. However, more research is needed before doctors can “prescribe” sex as a definite way to reduce risk.

In an August 2018 Journal of Sexual Medicine article, scientists reported on their review of 22 studies on the topic. Overall, the studies involved over 55,000 men.

Number of Sexual Partners

Men who had had fewer sexual partners over their lifetime appeared to be at lower risk for prostate cancer. Risk increased 1.10-fold for every 10 female partners a man had.

Age at First Intercourse

Men who had their first experience with intercourse at older ages were also at lower risk for prostate cancer. For every five years of delay, risk decreased 4%. In other words, a man who had intercourse for the first time at age 16 would be at higher risk than a man whose first experience was at age 21.

It’s possible that men with fewer partners and those who wait longer to have intercourse might have less exposure to sexually-transmitted infections and risky sexual behaviors, which might play a role in cancer risk, according to the review.

Ejaculation Frequency

Research also suggests that ejaculating more often – either through partnered sex or through masturbation – might reduce their odds of developing low-risk prostate cancer, but scientists are not 100% sure.

The 2018 review authors noted that ejaculating two to four times a week might protect men to some degree. Ejaculation is thought to reduce the amount of cancer-causing substances in the prostate’s fluids.

More research is needed to confirm all of the review’s conclusions, however.

Some prostate cancer risk factors, like age, ethnicity, and genetics are out of a man’s control. But keeping healthy habits can go a long way to reduce risk for cancer and other serious health conditions. Experts advise men to: