Mythbusters: Does Jerking Off Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer?

As medical professionals or just people in general, we tend to think of preventative self-care as an annual check-up, a yearly teeth cleaning, immunizations, or perhaps even a weekly Barry’s Bootcamp class. If we are thinking in terms of Family Feud rules (which here at Popstar, we so often do), “masturbation” may warrant the wrong-answer-buzzer sound effect in the category of preventive self-care.

Or some may think. While it may not rack up crazy points, hopefully, a couple of people in the audience survey knew better and know that masturbation is indeed a form of preventative self-care. That is, all of those who are familiar with their prostate.

So allegedly, what does it prevent, you ask? Cavities, brain fog, gout? Something much worse: the big c-word…and not just any cancer, prostate cancer. That’s right, there is some research and speculation around whether jerking off can actually reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Popstar is rounding out Prostate Health Month to debunk your spunk and let you know if choking the chicken can lower your risk for prostate cancer. 

For those of you that may not be familiar with your prostate. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder, responsible for producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Bet you didn’t know there was a nut in your butt! It’s also the reason your doctor sticks his finger in your behind. Ringing any bells now?

As men age, the risk of developing prostate issues, including prostate cancer, increases. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, so naturally, men are curious about the factors that may influence their risk.

While the exact cause of prostate cancer remains unclear, several factors—such as age, family history, and lifestyle choices—are known to play a role.

In the realm of men's health, the connection between masturbation and prostate cancer has been a topic of interest for decades. Masturbation, being a common and natural part of human sexuality, has often been questioned in terms of its impact on prostate health.

Now I am sure most, if not all, of you are familiar with masturbation, but we will throw this in some doctor-speak about it for good measure. Masturbation is a normal sexual activity for many men (and women), involving the self-stimulation of the genitals. It's an entirely natural way for people to explore their bodies and experience sexual pleasure. However, misconceptions around masturbation have persisted for centuries, with some claiming it may have negative consequences for physical or mental health. One such misconception involves the potential link between the five-finger shuffle and prostate cancer.

The earth isn’t flat, Elvis isn’t still alive, and oh yeah, beating your bishop may reduce your risk for prostate cancer.

One of the most prominent studies on this topic, conducted by Harvard researchers and published in the European Urology Journal in 2016, found that men who ejaculated more frequently had a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Specifically, men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month were 20% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who ejaculated less frequently (four to seven times per month). 

The reasoning behind this is thought to be related to the flushing out of toxins or potentially harmful substances from the prostate through ejaculation. Additionally, frequent ejaculation may prevent the buildup of harmful substances that could promote cancerous growth.

While many studies support the idea that frequent ejaculation may have a protective effect, it's important to note that not all research has been conclusive. Some studies suggest that the relationship between ejaculation and prostate cancer risk is more complex, with factors such as age, lifestyle, and general health playing roles that are difficult to isolate.

For instance, a 2004 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) also found that frequent ejaculation in younger men (20s and 30s) was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. However, the protective effect appeared less pronounced in older men. Perhaps the takeaway being that men should start jerking off more in their early adult life. 

Turns out solo stroke sessions aren’t the only way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. It's crucial to understand that these studies consider overall ejaculation frequency, which includes both masturbation and sexual intercourse. There's no scientific evidence to suggest that masturbation, specifically, is superior to other forms of ejaculation in reducing prostate cancer risk. 

What matters is the frequency of ejaculation, regardless of how it occurs. So if you are a bit of a playboy and frequently take home people from bars, at least know that sexcapades could fall under preventative self-care. And if your friends slut-shame you, tell them you are stopping prostate cancer in its tracks. 

You may be a champion when it comes to choking your chicken, but other factors may make you predisposed to prostate cancer. While the studies above indicate that frequent ejaculation may be beneficial, it is only one of many factors that influence prostate cancer risk. Other well-established risk factors include:

•  Age : Prostate cancer risk increases as men age, particularly after age 50.

•  Family History : Men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk.

•  Race : African-American men are at a higher risk of prostate cancer and tend to develop more aggressive forms of the disease.

•  Diet and Lifestyle : A diet high in red meat and processed foods, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute to prostate cancer risk.

• Hormonal Levels : Higher levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, may play a role in prostate cancer development.

Misinformation about masturbation abounds, and it's essential to address some common myths related to prostate cancer:

• Masturbation Does Not Cause Prostate Cancer : There is no scientific evidence to suggest that masturbation increases the risk of prostate cancer. The guy who invented Corn Flakes probably started this rumor (do yourself a favor and google why Corn Flakes were invented). As noted earlier, frequent ejaculation, whether through masturbation or intercourse, may reduce the risk.

• Masturbation Is Not Harmful to Prostate Health : Masturbation is a normal, healthy sexual activity that has no proven negative effects on prostate health. The anxiety surrounding it is often rooted in outdated cultural or religious beliefs.

Consider this myth on spunk debunked! The available evidence suggests that frequent ejaculation, including through masturbation, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. While more research is needed to understand the connection fully, it's clear that masturbation is not harmful to prostate health and may even have a protective effect. If they did a case study, I am sure they would have a line out the door to participate. Getting paid to jerk off a ton? What could be better? 

However, prostate cancer risk is influenced by many factors, so it's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay informed, and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing your prostate health. 

In summary, men can rest assured that masturbation is a natural part of life and, if anything, might have benefits when it comes to reducing the risk of prostate cancer. But as with all things, moderation and balance in all aspects of life, including sexual health, remain key.