As the old saying goes, it is quite possible to have too much of a good thing – but does this little gem of wisdom really apply to the pleasures of sex? Is it possible that too much sex can have long-term repercussions for men’s health? Numerous scientists have wondered the same thing, and set out to see if they could find answers about whether there may be dangerous sexual side effects. In recent decades, many large-scale studies have been launched to investigate the link between the frequency of sex and prostate cancer. Read on to learn what these brilliant minds found on the topic, as well as how to exercise proper care to maintain penis health for many years to come.
Sex and Prostate Cancer: Is there a hidden link?
There may be. Just as is the case with all scientific research that is still in its infancy, the results coming in are varied. While there have been several well-controlled, long-term studies on the topic, it often takes decades upon decades of research for the scientific community to reach a place of majority consensus. Even still, there has been some data to suggest that frequent sexual activity in one’s early life is linked to prostate cancer in the later years. However, there is also data on the other side that shows sex in later years may have somewhat of a protective factor against prostate cancer. Here’s what some of the experts at the National Cancer Institute are saying.
Theories suggesting there IS a link:
– Prostate Cancer may be linked to certain sexual infections
One theory speculated upon by researchers is that men who have more frequent sex are more likely to contract a sexual infection that could affect and damage the prostate by causing inflammation and other damage that increases the chances of developing cancer. Thus, men who have more sex are at a higher risk for infection, and therefore may have a higher risk of cancer.
– Prostate cancer may be linked to high levels of male hormones
Another link currently being investigated is that between high levels of male hormones and prostate cancer. Some scientists believe that men who have a stronger sex drive, and therefore presumably have more frequent sex, have a naturally higher level of male hormones influencing that sex drive, which may also be linked to prostate cancer.
Theories suggesting there is NO link:
– More frequent ejaculation helps protect against prostate cancer
One study of 30,000 men who were followed over 8 years time found that those men who reported ejaculating more than 21 times per month, on average, had a lower risk of cancer compared to men who ejaculated 4 to 7 times per month during their adult life.
– Frequent ejaculation may reduce inflammation that is linked to cancer
One theory regarding frequent ejaculation – partnered or solo – is that it helps to clean out the tubes in a way which essentially cleanses the male plumbing of infectious material that may be linked to inflammation and therefore cancer. This protection was found to be more important in men who were in their 40s and 50s compared to men in their 20s and 30s.
Keeping the penis healthy
The bottom line is that when it comes to the link between prostate cancer and sexual activity, there is no universally accepted theory at this time, though surely research will continue down this path in the future. Regardless, it is better for men to be safe than sorry – particularly in terms of protecting one’s health. In order to keep one’s physical – and sexual health – in peak form, men should be engaging in a regular exercise routine that includes cardio activity, as well as eating a balanced diet, refraining from illicit substances, and minimizing alcohol intake. Furthermore, men should always use a condom and be tested frequently for sexual infections. Finally, using a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing alpha lipoic acid and L-arginine can help improve blood flow to the penis, while fighting harmful free radials that are not only linked to aging of the penile cells, but are also known to cause cancer in the body.