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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

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Published on: March 6, 2018
Ejaculation frequency and subsequent risk of prostate cancer
Michael F Leitzmann1, Elizabeth A Platz, Meir J Stampfer
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Md 20892, USA. leitzmann@mail.nih.gov
Higher ejaculation frequency may be associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. This prospective study found no link between ejaculation frequency and increased prostate cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Urology
- Oncology
Background:
- Previous studies on sexual activity and prostate cancer are limited by recall bias.
- This study addresses limitations of prior research by using a prospective design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk.
- Ejaculation frequency encompasses sexual intercourse, nocturnal emissions, and masturbation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study (Health Professionals Follow-up Study) from 1992-2000.
- 29,342 US men aged 46-81 years provided self-reported ejaculation frequency data.
- Follow-up questionnaires assessed prostate cancer incidence over 8 years.
Main Results:
- High ejaculation frequency (≥21/month) was linked to decreased risk of total prostate cancer.
- Reduced risk was observed across different age periods and lifetime averages.
- No significant association found between ejaculation frequency and advanced prostate cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- Ejaculation frequency does not appear to increase prostate cancer risk.
- Higher ejaculation frequency may be associated with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
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