A viral and controversial comment by Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze — that men must ejaculate at least 21 times a month to lower prostate cancer risk — has sparked debate and confusion online...READ FULL; FROM THE SOURCE.
While the topic has been studied, experts emphasise there is no scientific consensus or compulsory rule. Given how common prostate cancer is, understanding its risk factors is important.
Studies show that about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives, making it necessary to separate scientific evidence from oversimplified conclusions.
So what does existing research actually say about ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk? Is there truly a link, and is 21 times a month really compulsory?
What Does the Research Actually Say?
The origin of the “21 times” figure is a 2004 study of 29,000 men over eight years which suggested that those who ejaculated 21 or more times a month had a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer compared with men who ejaculated 4–7 times a month.
However, other studies conducted before and after 2004 have produced complex and inconsistent results, especially when taking age into account.
A 2017 study examining ejaculation frequency and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer does not support the idea that ejaculating more often consistently reduces risk throughout a man’s life.
That study found only a small and uncertain link: men in their 30s who ejaculated more frequently might have a slightly lower risk of advanced prostate cancer, while no clear connection was observed for men in their 20s. Evidence for men in their 40s was weak and inconsistent.
Another research from 2009 also highlighted that the relationship between sexual activity and prostate cancer is not straightforward.
The study found that sexual activity may affect risk differently at different ages: for younger men in their 20s and 30s, more sexual activity, especially masturbation, was linked to a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer, while for men in their 50s, more frequent sexual activity appeared to be somewhat protective, associated with a slightly lower risk.
Another 2018 review further suggested that certain sexual activity patterns may influence prostate cancer risk.
Men with more sexual partners had a slightly higher risk, with every 10 extra partners increasing the risk by 10%. Those who began sexual activity later had a lower risk, with a 4% reduction for every five-year delay.
Moderate ejaculation, about 2 to 4 times per week, or 8–16 times per month, was also linked to a slightly lower risk.
Overall, the research suggests that men with fewer sexual partners, who started sexual activity later, and who ejaculated moderately were less likely to develop prostate cancer.
In conclusion, science cannot confirm that ejaculating 21 times a month reduces prostate cancer risk. The relationship remains unclear, and more research is needed.
However, here are several risk factors for prostate cancer that men should be aware of, according to the American Cancer Society.
Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 prostate cancers are found in men older than 65.
Race: The reasons for racial and ethnic differences in prostate cancer risk are not fully understood, but some groups are more prone than others. African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men, while Hispanic and Asian American men have a lower risk compared with non-Hispanic white men.
Family history: Several studies have found that risk of prostate cancer is increased among men who reported a history of this cancer in either their fathers or brothers.
Exposure to chemicals: Certain chemicals may increase the risk of prostate cancer. For example, studies suggest that exposure to Agent Orange, used during the Vietnam War, may be linked to a higher risk.
Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?
According to the American Cancer Society, there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, since many risk factors, such as age, race, and family history, cannot be controlled.
However, here are some steps that may help lower the risk of developing the disease.
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a moderate weight
Eating a healthy diet that focuses on foods colourful fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and avoids or limits red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods.
Regular health check-ups, including PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test
