Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide after lung cancer. Every year, millions of men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and many of them die from it.

Researchers have been working on identifying the risk factors associated with prostate cancer for several years now. One of the risk factors that have caught the attention of researchers in recent times is multiple sexual partners. In this article, we will discuss how multiple sexual partners increase the risk of prostate cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

The primary function of the prostate gland is to produce semen, which helps in the transportation of sperm during ejaculation. Prostate cancer develops when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these cells can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems.

What are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?

There are several risk factors associated with prostate cancer. Some of the common risk factors include:.

Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. Men above 50 are at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer.
Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
Race: African American men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men of other races.
Diet: Eating a diet high in red meat and dairy products can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Physical Inactivity: Men who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Multiple Sexual Partners: Men who have multiple sexual partners are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

How Multiple Sexual Partners Increase Prostate Cancer Risk?

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that men who have multiple sexual partners are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

The study found that men who had more than 20 sexual partners in their lifetime had a 28% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who had never had sex.

The reason why having multiple sexual partners increases prostate cancer risk is still unclear.

However, several theories suggest that it could be related to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or viruses that cause inflammation in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is particularly vulnerable to infections because of its location and function. Therefore, any virus or bacteria that enters the prostate gland can cause inflammation and increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Another theory suggests that having multiple sexual partners can lead to changes in hormones that increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Sexual activity can cause the release of various hormones that can affect the prostate gland’s growth and function. Therefore, having multiple sexual partners can lead to an imbalance in these hormones and increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Preventing Prostate Cancer

Preventing prostate cancer is not always possible. However, there are several steps that men can take to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer:.

Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Men who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Get Screened: Men who are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer should get screened regularly. Screening can help detect prostate cancer early and improve the chances of successful treatment.
Practice Safe Sex: Using condoms during sexual activity can reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a serious health concern among men. Multiple sexual partners are one of the risk factors associated with prostate cancer.

Although the exact reason why having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of developing prostate cancer is still unclear, there is enough evidence to suggest a link between the two. Men who have multiple sexual partners should take steps to reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer by practicing safe sex, getting screened regularly, and leading a healthy lifestyle.