A recent study exploring the connection between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer has shed light on how often men should climax each month to help lower their risk.
According to the American Cancer Society, around one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives — and over 35,000 are expected to die from the illness in the U.S. in 2025.
Most cases — about 60% — are identified in men aged 65 and older. The chances are also notably higher for African American men and those of African Caribbean descent.
Prostate cancer remains the second most deadly cancer for men, following lung cancer, based on data from the American Cancer Society.
That’s why it’s crucial for men to know what steps they can take to reduce their chances of developing the disease.
The study linked into how masturbation can reduce the risk of prostate cancer (Getty Stock Photo
Interestingly, research has shown that daily ejaculation could significantly lower a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. One major study even found that climaxing at least 21 times per month could cut the risk by as much as 20 percent.
This conclusion came from a long-term study conducted by Harvard University, which analyzed data from 31,925 men. Participants were asked to complete three separate surveys between 1992 and 2010, detailing how often they ejaculated.
Published in European Urology in 2016, the study explained: “We investigated whether the frequency of ejaculation throughout adult life might influence the likelihood of developing prostate cancer in a large U.S. male population.”
The researchers added, “Men who reported more frequent ejaculation as adults had a lower chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer later on.”
“These results offer further support for the potential protective effect of regular ejaculation across adulthood — especially when it comes to reducing the risk of low-grade prostate cancer.”
Prostate cancer is on the rise in the US (Getty Stock Photo)
Beyond lowering the risk of prostate cancer, regular masturbation is also believed to support better sleep quality.
This benefit was pointed out by German health insurance company Barmer Krankenkasse, which once advised: “Masturbation can actually help you drift off to sleep. If you find yourself lying awake, take matters into your own hands — or use a toy — and rest will likely follow.”
In addition, certified sex therapist Judith Golden explained to Reader’s Digest: Best Health that self-pleasure can be especially useful for people who struggle with insomnia.
She noted, “Much like how people often fall into deep sleep after intimacy with a partner, masturbation can have the same effect. It lowers blood pressure, boosts relaxation through endorphin release, and essentially acts as a natural sleep aid.”
“For many, it’s a soothing nighttime ritual.”
