Research Finds Frequent Orgasms Could Help Prevent Prostate Cancer

Of all the different types of cancer, few are preventable.

Up until recently, prostate cancer was not thought to be one of these. It was believed the risk of having prostate cancer was determined entirely by genetic factors.

During this year's American Urological Association meeting, however, researchers announced they discovered a modifier, or a preventative measure, that may reduce the risk of prostate cancer: frequent orgasms.

The idea of a preventable measure for prostate cancer was first identified in 2004 after a JAMA study found “high ejaculation frequency” may be associated with a lower risk of getting the disease.

A total of 32,000 men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-up study were observed for about 18 years. The current study adds to the previous information.

Results from the studies indicated men who ejaculated at least 21 times per month reduced their risk for prostate cancer by about 20 percent.

What's more, a study in the 1970s found the mortality rate among men who already had prostate cancer fell to 50 percent when men had more orgasms.

It's believed the chemicals released during an orgasm -- oxytocin and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) -- are major factors in lowering the rate of getting the disease.

These chemicals may also help prevent breast and cervical cancer, and this finding may help researchers develop more holistic approaches to treating prostate cancer.

Citations: Frequent Ejaculation May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk How Orgasm Protects Against Disease (Medical Daily)