Counting my blessings with each pleasure

Dear Dr. G,

I am confused and hope you can set the facts straight.

I am sure you have come across the article on the Internet that has gone viral about the risk of not ejaculating frequently.

Apparently, doctors in Taiwan have reported a study highlighting men who do not ejaculate regularly can cause the formation of stones in the prostate.

More worryingly, the study apparently demonstrated the prostatic stone formation with prostate cancer in the future.

I am a young chap in my early twenties. Of course, as a good Catholic boy, I was raised with the awareness of frequent masturbation and ejaculation is harmful to the body. I am also fearful of the old wives tales about the risk of going blind and having hairy palms. Now, I am really confused!

I am hoping to put Dr. G on the spot on facts and fiction of frequent ejaculation.

Are there scientific studies highlighting the pros and cons of frequent ejaculation?

Are there also studies linking the health risks associated with lack of ejaculation?

If so, are there real links with prostate cancer, or this is merely an urban myth that is spreading like a whisper?

Most importantly, should I be counting my blessing with each pleasure?

Yours truly,
Confused Collin

The recent headline circulated in the Internet had brought some chill to the spines of many men whom had refrained from frequent sex in younger years.

On the other hand, the cheers and joys of others whom had indulged in frequent sexual activities and realised it had been protective, rather than harmful. So, what exactly are the facts behind the headline of “Men who do not ejaculate regularly are likely to have higher risk of prostate cancer?”

Apparently, it has been reported by a director for the Men’s Health Centre in Taiwan Hospital that men who do not ejaculate regularly risking the formation of prostatic stones, that may lead to cancer due to the prolonged inflammation.

The director apparently explained when the frequency of ejaculation is reduced, the stagnated semen, which is rich in minerals will accumulate and precipitate. Such seminal is linked to the formation of prostatic stones, and the director believed the long term impact may induce the malignancy changes in the prostatic cells.

Such media sensation often creates harmless chuckles and naughty dinner conversations between friends and embarrassed family members. Of course, the discussion can dampen the taboo of talking about sexual health. On the other hand, the subject matter can easily generate anxiety and confusion amongst the young and men with or without the risk of prostate cancer.

As I was struggling to uncover the scientific data or the origin of the story, I made assumptions that such report is based on a speculative opinion of the medical director in Taiwan. Therefore, such reportage carries less weight than a proper evidence medicine. More importantly, as a urologist, it is important to highlight prostatic stones and prostate inflammation are both common clinical manifestation, which are benign in nature and has no proven association with prostate cancer. Therefore, there should be absolutely no worry of men suffering from prostatic stones or prostatitis.

In recent years, there have been a number of articles highlighting frequent ejaculations reducing the risk of prostate cancer, supported in part by scientific data. However, the evidence associating infrequent ejaculations with cancer is less well founded.

The Harvard study collected data of large number of volunteers since 1986. In 1992, nearly 30,000 men aged between 46 to 81 years old, provided information of average number of ejaculation per month as young adults and middle age. Comparing men ejaculated 4-7 ejaculations per month across lifetimes with those ejaculated 21 times or more per month, prostate cancer risk reduction of 31% was noted. Hence the association of frequent ejaculation with less prostate cancer was established.

In real life, it is impossible to simplify the link of frequent sex with anything. However, it is generally agreed that sexually active men are generally healthier and therefore have less likely to be linked with diseases, including cancer.

The American author, Napoleon Hill, best known for his expounding principles to achieve success in life once said:“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of equal or greater benefit.” When Dr. G is put on the spot for his opinion whether men should or should not have frequent ejaculation, his view is: “every healthy relationship carries with it the seed of love with greater benefit of overall health!” With that in mind, carrying on counting your blessings with each coming!