Sex is generally considered to be healthy for the prostate because the more the prostate is called into service, the more likely toxins will be cleared out through ejaculation, thus reducing the chance of developing prostate cancer or other problems.
Although there are studies that suggest this may be true there are other studies that indicate a high level of sexual activity may increase your risk of prostate cancer.
Sex and Prostate Health
How does a lot of sexual activity protect against prostate cancer? Experts suggest that ejaculation may help eliminate toxins in the prostate, reduce the development of tiny crystals that are associated with some cancers, and enhance the immune system’s response to cancer. Sexual activity also reduces stress and quiets activity of the central nervous system, which may contribute to cancer cell division and growth and overall wellness.
According to a report in the April 7, 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, men who reported having more than 20 ejaculations per month were 33 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who had fewer ejaculations. The Harvard University study defined sexual activity as ejaculation from sexual intercourse, masturbation, or during sleep. The researchers evaluated nearly 30,000 health professionals, of whom 1,449 developed prostate cancer. Assuming the men answered the survey questions honestly, the results indicated that an active sex life is not associated with a higher cancer risk in most men. (Leitzmann 2004)
Sex and Prostate Cancer Risk
A study from the University of Nottingham-Medical School stated that frequent sexual activity (defined as more than 10 encounters per month) bestows a “small” amount of protection against prostate cancer. (Dimitropoulou 2009) In that same study however researchers found that men who are sexually active (more than 20 times per month) in their 20s and 30s are more likely to develop prostate cancer, especially if they masturbate often. However, the researchers also found that frequent sexual activity by men in their 40s seemed to have little effect. (Dimitropoulou 2009) More specifically, the investigators evaluated the sexual practices of more than 431 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 60, and 409 controls who did not have prostate cancer. Among the men who had prostate cancer, 34 percent admitted they had masturbated frequently in their 20s, compared to 24 percent in the control group. The results were similar for men in their 30s. One other finding was that men with prostate cancer were more likely to have had a sexually transmitted disease than those who were cancer-free.
Some studies however have claimed that sexual activity can increase the risk of prostate cancer because it raises testosterone levels. Although testosterone and other androgens (male sex hormones) are essential for prostate growth and development, a much more recent study (September 2009) reports that there is “little evidentiary support” that higher testosterone levels are a risk factor for prostate cancer. (Imamoto, Suzuki 2009) In fact, some research describes a link between lower testosterone levels and more advanced prostate disease. (See “Testosterone and Prostate Cancer”)
The bottom line seems to be that more research is needed as the results are mixed but neither of the main studies should influence whether you choose to have more or less sex. Even the head of the University of Nottingham study, Dr. Polyxeni Dimitropoulou, said that “Until the mechanisms are elucidated and are clearly established we cannot be certain about the outcome of any study.”
Other Benefits of Sex for Prostate Health
Sex is important for prostate health in a number of other ways. Apart from the potential decrease in risk of prostate cancer, sex helps to maintain erectile function and healthy penile tissue, which is important for long-term recovery after prostate cancer treatment. Lack of frequent sex can also result in penile shortening in the absence of consistent nocturnal erections which may contribute to self-esteem issues and erectile dysfunction.
Sex and Other Prostate Disorders
Sex can influence prostate health in other ways. For example, bacterial prostatitis can be caused by the transfer of bacteria between sexual partners in unprotected sex. Lower urinary tract infections may also be influenced by sexual activity and the transfer of infections that migrate to the prostate through the urethra.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (Herpes, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea) - Causes of Prostatitis.
Sometimes one of the causes of prostatitis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as Herpes Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or Ureaplasma urealyticum.Sexually active men who have multiple sex partners are at an increased risk of STDs and thus prostatitis, especially if they do not use a condom. Also at high risk are men who engage in anal sex without using a condom. Acute prostatitis associated with STDs is typically seen in men younger than age 35.
A possible association between prostatitis, STDs, and prostate cancer has been the subject of debate and research. A recent study on this topic was conducted with the California Men’s Health Study, when researchers investigated this relationship among 68,675 men. They found that having an STD was not associated with overall risk of prostate cancer, but the results did “suggest that prostatitis and STDs may be involved in prostate cancer susceptibility.” (Cheng 2010) It’s important to note, however, that these findings do not prove prostatitis causes prostate cancer, because it may be that men with prostatitis symptoms are more likely to go to a doctor, who then go on to test for prostate cancer.
Should you have sex if you have prostatitis? If you have an STD, you should definitely avoid sex until you see your doctor and are treated for the infection. If your prostatitis is not associated with an STD, it’s generally safe to have sex. Overall, regular safe sexual activity seems to be healthy for the prostate and for prostatitis. If you are receiving treatment for prostatitis with antibiotics, it is often recommended that you ejaculate two to three times a week.
Some men experience pain during or after ejaculation and find that it interferes with their ability to enjoy sex until they get their prostatitis symptoms under control. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to communicate openly with your partner to find ways to have sexual activity that is mutually satisfying. If you involve your partner in your prostatitis treatment program, any sexual challenges can be easier to handle.
See also
Testosterone and Prostate Cancer
