Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer: CAPLIFE Study.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern for aging men.
• Lifestyle factors, including sexual activity, are being investigated for their role in PCa development.
• Ejaculation frequency (EF) has been proposed as a potential protective factor against PCa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ejaculation frequency (EF) across different life stages and prostate cancer (PCa) risk.
• To analyze this association in relation to tumor aggressiveness, PCa stage, and urinary symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A population-based case-control study (CAPLIFE) in southern Spain analyzed 456 PCa cases and 427 controls (aged 40-80).
• Average EF was assessed for four periods: 20s, 30s, 40s, and one year prior to the interview.
• EF was categorized (0-3, 4, >4 ejaculations/month), and logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

Main Results:

• Men with PCa reported lower EF a year before the interview compared to controls.
• A significant inverse association was found between lower EF (0-3 or 4 ejaculations/month) and PCa risk.
• The association was stronger for aggressive tumors (ISUP grade 3-5), locally advanced/metastatic PCa, and moderate urinary symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Low ejaculation frequency may be associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
• This association is particularly pronounced in cases with high-grade tumors (ISUP 3-5) or advanced disease.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the protective role of ejaculation frequency against PCa.