Scientists have asserted that ejaculation can reduce risks of men developing prostate cancer, which is a common cancer among men of African origin.
According to findings of a study published in the journal ‘European Urology’, ejaculating at least 21 times a month, significantly reduces a man’s risk of prostate cancer.
This is compared to men who ejaculate just four-to-seven times a month.
Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in a man’s prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, but some may be aggressive and could spread quickly.
Nigeria records over 100,000 new cancer cases, which includes prostate cancers yearly.
According to the researchers from Harvard University, ejaculation is protective regardless of whether it is through sex or masturbation.
Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm (sexual climax) and it is commonly done by touching, stroking, or massaging the penis or clitoris until an orgasm is achieved.
Past research suggested that ejaculation rids the gland of cancer-causing substances.
It may also help to ease inflammation, which is a known cause of the condition.
Researchers did not speculate on why ejaculation protects against prostate cancer. However, past research suggests it helps to rid the gland of cancer-causing substances and infections.
Researchers from Harvard University analysed 31,925 healthy men, who completed a questionnaire about their ejaculation frequency back in 1992. The analysis lasted for 18 years.
Monthly ejaculation frequency was assessed in men aged 20-to-29, 40-to-49 and the year before the questionnaire was completed.
Ejaculation was defined broadly and could be as a result of sex or masturbation.
The men were then followed until 2010.
Some 3,839 of the study’s participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer during the investigation.
Results revealed that evacuating at least 21 times a month significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer in men aged 20-to-29 and 40-to-49. This is compared to ejaculating just four-to-seven times a month.
The researchers said: “We found that men reporting higher compared to lower ejaculatory frequency in adulthood were less likely to be subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer.”
