Evidence for Masturbation and Prostate Cancer Risk: Do We Have a Verdict?

Basil H Aboul-Enein, Joshua Bernstein, Michael W Ross

Journal: Sexual medicine reviews 2018;4(3):229-234

PMID: 27871956

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men and remains one of the most diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Ongoing public health efforts continue to promote protective factors, such as diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle modifications, against PCa development. Masturbation is a nearly universal safe sexual activity that transcends societal boundaries and geography yet continues to be met with stigma and controversy in contemporary society. Although previous studies have examined associations between sexual activity and PCa risk, anecdotal relations have been suggested regarding masturbation practice and PCa risk.

AIM

To provide a summary of the published literature and examine the contemporary evidence for relations between masturbation practice and PCa risk.

METHODS

A survey of the current literature using seven academic electronic databases was conducted using search terms and key words associated with masturbation practice and PCa risk.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The practice of masturbation and its relation to PCa risk.

RESULTS

The literature search identified study samples (n = 16) published before October 2015. Sample inclusions varied by study type, sample size, and primary objective. Protective relations (n = 7) between ejaculation through masturbation and PCa risk were reported by 44% of the study sample. Age range emerged as a significant variable in the relation between masturbation and PCa.

CONCLUSION

Findings included relations among masturbation, ejaculation frequency, and age range as individual factors of PCa risk. No universally accepted themes were identified across the study sample. Throughout the sample, there was insufficient agreement in survey design and data reporting. Potential avenues for new research include frequency of ejaculation and age range as covarying factors that could lead to more definitive statements about masturbation practice and PCa risk.

Address: University of South Dakota, School of Health Sciences, Vermillion, SD, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, College of Graduate Health Studies, Kirksville, MO, USA.; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2016.02.006