Sexual activity is not only pleasurable but it can bring several health benefits. Numerous studies have shown that regular sexual activity can boost immunity, strengthen the heart, and reduce stress levels.

In fact, it may even lower the risk of certain medical conditions.

What is the condition that can be lowered by sexual activity?

The condition we are referring to is prostate cancer. According to a recent study, regular sexual activity can decrease the risk of prostate cancer by up to 50 percent.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, with approximately 191,000 new cases being diagnosed in the United States in 2020 alone.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located between the bladder and rectum. The prostate gland produces the fluid that makes up semen.

Prostate cancer typically grows slowly and may not cause any symptoms until it has spread outside of the prostate gland to other parts of the body.

How does sexual activity lower the risk of prostate cancer?

Several theories have been proposed to explain the link between sexual activity and a lower risk of prostate cancer:.

: Hormones

Sexual activity stimulates the production of the hormone testosterone, which is thought to protect against prostate cancer. Testosterone has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

: Frequent ejaculations

Frequent ejaculations have been associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Ejaculation flushes out the prostate gland and removes potentially harmful substances, such as carcinogens, from the body.

: Improved blood flow

Sexual activity increases blood flow to the prostate gland, which may help prevent the growth of cancer cells.

What did the study find?

A study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that men who ejaculated at least 21 times per month were less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ejaculated just 4-7 times per month.

The study, which followed more than 30,000 men for 18 years, found that frequent ejaculation was associated with a 31 percent lower risk of prostate cancer.

Another study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, found that men who had frequent sexual activity in their twenties and thirties were less likely to develop prostate cancer later in life.

The study found that men who had sex at least once a week in their twenties were one-third less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who had sex less often.

Conclusion

The link between sexual activity and prostate cancer risk reduction is not fully understood, but the evidence is compelling.

Regular sexual activity may offer men a simple and pleasurable way to reduce their risk of a common and potentially deadly cancer. If further research confirms these findings, healthcare professionals may recommend regular sexual activity as a preventative measure for prostate cancer.