Expert Speaks On One Major Effect Of Sexual Intercourse, Masturbation On Prostate Cancer
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A sexual health expert has said that ejaculation during sexual intercourse could reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer in males.
Omolola Adefuye, a Lagos-based sex therapist, explained that there are studies indicating ejaculation during sexual intercourse prevents prostate cancer.
However, she clarified that there is no scientific proof that ejaculating during masturbation can prevent prostate cancer.
Masturbation is the act of stimulating, rubbing or caressing the genitals or other parts of the body for pleasure.
According to a 2011 survey carried out in America, more males engaged in masturbation than females.
It reported 73.8% masturbation in males and 48.1% in females.
The survey stated:
“Among males, masturbation occurrence increased with age: at age 14 years, 62.6% of males reported at least 1 prior occurrence, whereas 80% of 17-year-old males reported having masturbated.”
Over the years, there has been a looming debate on masturbation and prostate health.
A 2016 study involving 32,000 men who were reportedly tracked for 18 years suggested that there could be a connection.
WebMD, a health portal stated, referencing the study:
“The researchers found that guys who did it the most (at least 21 times a month) had about a 20% lower chance of prostate cancer, compared with those who did it less (4 to 7 times a month). That was true in several age groups.”
In a chat with PUNCH Healthwise, Adefuye acknowledged the research works but explained that the case of masturbation might be different.
Her words:
“When we look at prostate cancer and the structure of the penis, where it (prostate cancer) usually occurs and the part of the penis involved in masturbation are two different areas.
“There is no established study that it can be caused or prevented by masturbation over time because a lot of people perform masturbation wrongly. There is a wrong way to massage the penis. A lot of people do it (masturbation) in the wrong way.
“In the long run, that ends up affecting the nerves in the penis. There are some nerves connected to the penis. That wrong way of masturbating affects the nerves.”
She also stated that in most cases, prostate cancer is genetic.
“Whether you masturbate or not, if it is in the family, there’s a high chance of the person having it. It has nothing to do with masturbation,” Adefuye declared.
She explained further that ejaculation from sex can be more advantageous compared to orgasm through masturbation.
She continued:
“The nerve is a part of the penis and the prostate gland is a part of the penis. When the nerve is already weakened as a result of masturbation, it is not the release per se that is beneficial. In fact, the destruction of the nerves does not give it a high advantage as normal sex.”
She emphasised that contrary to general assumptions, masturbation has no established benefits.
The sex therapists listed some side effects of masturbation and they are:
Her words:
“Masturbation is for self-pleasure only. Where it goes wrong is when it becomes addictive. Masturbation itself is not the problem. The challenge comes when it is done wrongly and also when it becomes addictive.
“It can lead to memory loss. I’ve heard people say they start experiencing seclusion. They want to be alone and masturbate. However, when it is not addictive, the disadvantages are not much.
“Even for those addicted to masturbation normal sex can become an issue. This is because those engaging in it may not want to be involved in normal sexual intercourse anymore. And even when they are involved in sex, there are usually two extremes. It is either they ejaculate very fast or take very long.”
Source: PUNCH HealthWise
