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Can Masturbation Cause Prostate Cancer? Here is What Research Says

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SemicHealth Pulse
September 12, 2025

Fresh health tips, inspiring stories, and more every Friday. Brought to you by SemicHealth

Hey there,

Welcome to this week’s edition of SemicHealth Pulse.

Today, we are discussing a topic most men have been looking for answers to…

Michael is a 42-year-old father of two. Like many men, he worries about his health but doesn’t always know what’s worth paying attention to.

Recently, while chatting with friends, the topic of prostate cancer came up. Someone joked, “Too much masturbation can cause it.”

Michael laughed it off at first, but the thought stuck with him. That night, he found himself on Google, scrolling through articles, wondering if there was any truth behind the claim.

The reality? Many men share the same concern, and it’s time to clear up the confusion.

What You’ll Learn Today:

  • What does science actually say about masturbation and prostate cancer?

  • Why experts still don’t fully agree

  • Other proven risk factors you should know

  • Practical steps to reduce your risk

Men laughing by green valley

Does Masturbation Really Cause Prostate Cancer?

Let’s start with the big question.

The short answer: No, there’s no scientific evidence that masturbation causes prostate cancer.

In fact, some research suggests the opposite, that frequent ejaculation may actually protect the prostate.

One of the earliest studies, led by Harvard researchers in 2004, found that men who ejaculated 21 times or more per month had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who ejaculated only 4–7 times per month.

Follow-up research years later came to a similar conclusion, that men who ejaculated more often in their 20s and 40s had a 20% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated less.

willem dafoe scientist GIF

Why Scientists Don’t Fully Agree

If frequent ejaculation lowers risk, why the debate?

Here’s the catch: not all studies have found a strong or consistent link. Some found benefits mostly for younger men, while others found no connection at all.

A 2017 Australian study, for example, suggested that frequent ejaculation lowered risk only for men aged 30–39, not in their 20s or 40s.

And when it comes to sexual activity, results are even more mixed. Some studies found that more partners reduced risk, while others found the opposite.

Masturbation is not a proven way to prevent prostate cancer, but it’s not a cause either.

Close-up shot of meat in a pot

What Actually Raises Prostate Cancer Risk

While the role of sexual activity is still debated, scientists do know several clear risk factors for prostate cancer. These fall into two groups:

Non-modifiable factors (you can’t change):

  • Age risk rises sharply after 50.

  • Ethnicity, black men are more likely to be diagnosed and die from prostate cancer.

  • Family history, having close relatives with prostate or certain other cancers, raises your risk.

Modifiable factors (you can change):

  • Diet, high intake of red/processed meat and dairy may increase risk.

  • Obesity is linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

  • Smoking increases the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

How to Lower Your Risk

While you can’t control your age, genes, or ethnicity, you can take practical steps to lower your overall risk:

  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Limit processed meat and reduce high-fat dairy intake.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.

  • Stay physically active.

  • Quit smoking.

  • Limit alcohol consumption.

  • Get regular screenings. especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history.

Early detection matters. Screening can catch prostate cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

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Thanks for reading, and take care, friends! We’ll be back next week to talk about "Pregnant Without Knowing? The Truth About Cryptic Pregnancy." See you then!

Here’s your reminder to email [email protected] with any (general) health and wellness questions you’d like for us to answer in a future edition.