Mixed evidence exists about the correlation between masturbation and ejaculation frequency on prostate cancer risk. One study found that increased masturbation frequency in the 20’s and 30’s was a marker for increased prostate cancer risk.1 One of the largest studies on ejaculation frequency (this included sexual relations, not masturbation in isolation) is known as the Harvard ejaculation study.2 Its findings are often simply described as 20-29-year-olds who reported 21+ ejaculations/month had a lower prostate risk than those who ejaculated 4-7x/month. But those who ejaculated 0-3x/month also had a significantly lower risk (15-16% reduction) than those who ejaculated 4-7x/month.
Masturbation and ejaculation appear to have a less consistent effect on prostate cancer risk than diet, physical activity, smoking, age, and genetics.3 Tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, soy, fish, coffee, and green tea appear protective against prostate cancer; on the other hand, grilled meat, dairy consumption, and binge-drinking appear to increase prostate cancer risk.
1. Dimitropoulou P, Lophatananon A, Easton D, et al. Sexual activity and prostate cancer risk in men diagnosed at a younger age. BJU Int. 2009;103(2):178-185.
2. Rider JR, Wilson KM, Sinnott JA, Kelly RS, Mucci LA, Giovannucci EL. Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. Eur Urol. 2016;70(6):974-982.
3. Leitzmann MF, Rohrmann S. Risk factors for the onset of prostatic cancer: age, location, and behavioral correlates. Clin Epidemiol. 2012;4:1-11.
