Modern medicine often comes with a list of prohibitions, advising against certain foods, drinks, and behaviors for the sake of our health. However, it’s both noteworthy and delightful when something universally regarded as pleasurable makes its way onto the list of health benefits. Gentlemen, this one’s for you.
Several studies have revealed a correlation between frequent ejaculations, especially during young adulthood, and a reduced risk of prostate cancer later in life. Researchers in the Harvard-based Health Professionals Follow-up Study have been tracking over 50,000 American men since 1986. This diverse group includes dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and podiatrists, providing valuable insights into various aspects of men’s health.
One intriguing question posed to these men was about their monthly ejaculation frequency. Over 30,000 respondents provided answers, showing a natural decrease in ejaculation frequency with age. Among 20–29-year-old men, 57% reported 13 or more ejaculations per month, whereas this figure dropped to 32% in the 40–49 age group.
Published in the journal European Urology, the Harvard-led research team, led by Jennifer R. Rider, discovered that men who reported higher ejaculation frequencies in adulthood were less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer later on. Compared to those who ejaculated four to seven times per month throughout their lives, men with 21 or more monthly ejaculations had a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer. An Australian study yielded similar findings, emphasizing the significance of high ejaculation frequency during young adulthood in preventing prostate cancer.
Notably, both studies included all forms of ejaculation, including wet dreams, in their analysis.
While these studies establish a correlation, they do not pinpoint a causal mechanism. Other factors may be at play, but researchers attempted to control for variables such as body mass index, diet, smoking, and vasectomy history. Even factors like processed meat consumption, tomato sauce intake, and alcohol consumption were considered.
Interestingly, the men with the highest ejaculation frequencies in the 40–49 age group were also the heaviest eaters, smokers, and drinkers. While it was initially suspected that these individuals might be dying prematurely from conditions like heart disease and lung cancer, the researchers concluded that “the reduction in prostate cancer risk among men reporting high ejaculation frequency seemingly cannot be explained by this effect alone.”
Beyond the potential reduction in prostate cancer risk, ejaculation frequency can have other consequences. A study published in Andrology investigated the impact of ejaculatory abstinence (EA) on sperm quality. While increased EA was positively correlated with improved semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total motile sperm count, holding off for too long was linked to increased DNA fragmentation, potentially affecting fertility.
Additionally, research from Hangzhou Normal College found that testosterone levels experienced a peak (145.7% of baseline) on the seventh day of abstinence. This suggests a potential natural way to boost energy levels, sex drive, and other aspects of men’s health.
It’s worth noting that there is a wealth of Eastern knowledge regarding ejaculation frequency and control, notably within the realm of Tantric Sex. While men need not meticulously schedule their ejaculation patterns, this ancient practice offers insights into the profound connection between pleasure and health.
In conclusion, the unexpected connection between frequent ejaculation and prostate cancer risk reduction offers a delightful twist in the world of men’s health. While further research is needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms, it’s reassuring to know that something pleasurable may also contribute to our overall well-being.
