The Relationship Between Masturbation and Prostate Health
Frequent ejaculation, including through masturbation, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and potentially benefit men with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Research suggests that regular ejaculation could have protective effects on prostate health through several mechanisms.
Effects on Prostate Cancer Risk
Protective Association
- High ejaculation frequency (21+ times per month) has been associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer compared to lower frequencies (4-7 times per month), with a relative risk reduction of approximately 33% across a lifetime 1
- This protective effect appears strongest for:
- Men in their 40s (32% risk reduction)
- Recent ejaculatory activity (51% risk reduction in the previous year)
- Organ-confined prostate cancer rather than advanced disease 1
Potential Mechanisms
- Regular ejaculation may help clear potential carcinogens from the prostatic ducts 2
- Ejaculation influences androgen receptor activity and prostate homeostasis 2
- Frequent ejaculation might reduce inflammation in the prostate gland 3
Benefits for Prostate Inflammation
- For men with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, regular ejaculation (at least twice weekly) has shown therapeutic benefits 4:
- 11% of patients experienced complete symptom relief
- 33% reported marked improvement
- 33% had moderate improvement
- Only 22% saw no benefit
Considerations for Prostate Cancer Survivors
While not directly addressing masturbation, clinical guidelines acknowledge sexual function concerns after prostate cancer treatment:
- Men can experience orgasm after prostatectomy, although the sensation may differ from pre-surgery 5
- Climacturia (urinary leakage during orgasm) occurs in 20-30% of men after prostatectomy 6, 5
- Sexual arousal incontinence can occur during masturbation or foreplay in up to 30% of men following prostate cancer surgery 6
- Partners should be included in discussions about sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment 6
Clinical Implications
- For men concerned about prostate health, regular ejaculation through masturbation appears to be a safe practice that may offer protective benefits
- For men with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis who are not sexually active with a partner, masturbation can be recommended as part of symptom management 4
- For prostate cancer survivors, understanding that orgasm is still possible (though potentially different) can be reassuring, though they should be counseled about the possibility of climacturia 6, 5
Limitations and Caveats
- The evidence supporting masturbation for prostate health comes primarily from observational studies rather than randomized controlled trials
- The optimal frequency of ejaculation for prostate health benefits is not definitively established
- Men with multiple sexual partners may face increased risk of sexually transmitted infections that could potentially impact prostate health 3
- Age appears to be a significant variable in the relationship between masturbation and prostate cancer risk 7
In conclusion, current evidence suggests that regular ejaculation through masturbation is likely beneficial for prostate health, particularly in terms of reducing prostate cancer risk and potentially alleviating symptoms of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis.