Can Frequent Masturbation Protect against Prostate Cancer?

The American Cancer Society reports that about one in seven American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. This condition is the second leading cancer-related cause of death in men, making prostate cancer prevention a key concern for men. There is a potential link between prostate health and penis health that men should be aware of involving the benefits of frequent masturbation; this article sums up the available research on the topic.

What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate gland is a small structure located between a man’s bladder and penis. One of its primary functions is to release fluids that protect and nourish semen. When a man ejaculates, the prostate squeezes the protective fluid out into the urethra.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cell growth causes a tumor in the gland. Cancerous cells can spread through the body from the prostate; this generally occurs slowly, making early detection and treatment highly effective. The main symptoms of prostate cancer are:

- Decreased force in urine stream
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
Men who present with any of these symptoms should see a doctor promptly.

The Connection between Masturbation and Prostate Health: 3 Studies
Several studies have been conducted to find out whether masturbation frequency is linked to incidence of prostate cancer. Overall, the trend of research suggests that frequent self-pleasuring may have a preventive effect, although this is not set in stone. Those who believe that masturbation is protective of prostate health theorize that carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances may be released with semen during ejaculation, lowering cancer risk in the prostate area.

The Harvard Health Professionals conducted a study involving 29,342 men who reported their average releases per month from early adulthood on - this included releases from masturbation, sex and nocturnal emissions. Men who reported at least 21 emissions per month had a 33% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than did those who reported only four to seven emissions per month throughout their lives.

Research out of Australia supported the findings of the above study. This study involved 2,338 men. Participants who reported between 4.6 and seven emissions per week on average were 36% less likely to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis by the age of 70 compared to men who reported fewer than 2.3 ejaculations per week.

Finally, one should take note of a study whose findings were contrary - at least partially - to the results of the two above. This one involved over 800 men - 431 who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 60 and 409 controls without cancer. Researchers found that men who reported high partner-based sexual activity frequency in their 20’s were most at risk for developing prostate cancer; men who masturbated most frequently in their 20’s and 30’s had an increased risk as well. Emission through masturbation was linked to the highest risk. However, the trend switched once men were in their 40’s and 50’s, at which point frequent ejaculation exhibited a protective effect.

The Take-Away
The science on prostate health and masturbation is not conclusive, but overall seems to suggest that frequent cranking may protect against cancer in the gland, particularly for older men.

Maintaining Penis Health
It is fairly well-established that regular use is good for the penis, allowing it to stay strong and functional into old age. Another way to support the well-being of the tool is to apply a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A quality product will contain ingredients that support circulation, such as vitamin C and L-arginine. Other helpful ingredients are Shea butter and vitamin E, which work to hydrate the skin, keeping it smooth and supple. This extra moisture can help combat dry and sore skin that may result from frequent use.

Does Frequent Masturbation Cause Weak Erections? What the Experts Say

One of the most common questions that sexual health professionals hear from younger men is: Does frequent masturbation cause weak erections? Many boys are told by parents or other authority figures who want to discourage this practice that masturbating is unhealthy, and men then experience a sense of shame or guilt about what is, in fact, a normal and healthy practice. There are many causes of weak erections not related to masturbation. This article discusses the physical and emotional factors that can affect penis health and cause erectile loss.

As Dr. Shaun Thompson of livestrong.com explains, getting an erection involves a complex series of interactions between the mind, the central and peripheral nervous systems, the hormones, the blood vessels and the smooth muscle tissue of the penis. A disruption in any part of this process can lead to erectile problems, meaning there are a number of factors to consider when seeking the source.
Some of the most common causes of erectile loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, are:

1) Cardiovascular disease. Numerous heart and circulatory problems can lead to loss of function in men, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels) and heart disease. Taking care of the heart by eating right and exercising can reduce the chances of experiencing erectile loss.

2) Neurological issues. Diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or multiple sclerosis, can interfere with erectile function. Patients who have suffered a stroke may also be affected.

3)Hormonal problems. Getting an erection is highly dependent on testosterone levels; men who have low testosterone tend to have problems with penile function. High levels of prolactin and high or low levels of thyroid hormone can also cause erectile loss.
 
4) Diabetes. Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects many bodily functions, including erectile ability. According to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearing House, 35 to 50 percent of men with diabetes also have erectile dysfunction (ED).

5) Substances. Aside from the physiological problems that can lead to erectile loss, various substances, including tobacco, alcohol and certain recreational substances, can inhibit function. Medications such as those used to treat anxiety and depression are also associated with ED.

6) Psychological problems. Up to 20 percent of all cases of erectile loss, and approximately 40 percent of cases in younger men, are related to psychological rather than physiological problems. Anxiety, stress, relationship problems and guilt or shame associated with sexual issues can cause loss of function. Men who are worried about loss of function may experience ED simply because of this anxiety, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

When it comes to masturbation and erectile loss, there is no evidence at all that there is any link between the two. In some cases, men who have ejaculated recently may have temporarily lowered testosterone levels, resulting in weaker erections if they attempt masturbation again within a short period of time. However, as the body recovers from the previous ejaculation, testosterone levels will be restored, and erections should return to normal.

For men who experience weak erections or have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection more than 25 percent of the time, it is important to talk to a doctor and address any underlying health issues that may be present. But for men who simply enjoy their alone time, there is no need to worry about permanent loss of function. Masturbation is a normal and healthy practice that can relieve stress and help men to become more familiar with their own bodies, making them better sexual partners. In fact, using the organ frequently can even help it stay strong and last long into old age.

Men who masturbate frequently can improve the overall health of the member by adding a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to their daily personal care routine. A product with a high-end emollient such as Shea butter can relieve sore, chafed penile skin, while vitamins and amino acids support healthy cellular function for a penis that is supple, responsive and ready for action, whether a man is spending time alone or with a partner.