It Might Be Good If Men Did This 20 Times a Month

Photo: laindiapiaroa / Getty Images

Prolonged sexual abstinence can affect the male body not in the best way. Doctors discuss possible consequences — from decreased testosterone levels to worsening erection and changes in penile tissue. Against this background, more and more research is dedicated to whether regular ejaculations (regardless of whether they occur during partnered sex or masturbation) can have a protective effect on health.

A large-scale study by Harvard University gained particular prominence, in which over 30,000 men were observed for almost 40 years. Scientists compared information about their sexual lives and cases of prostate cancer development.

As a result, it was found that in men aged 20-25 who had 21 ejaculations per month or more, the risk of prostate cancer was 19% lower than in those who ejaculated no more than seven times per month during the same period.

The Fitbook publication asked urologist, Dr. Christoph Pies, how these data should be evaluated.

The expert emphasizes: this is about a statistical correlation, not a definitively proven cause-and-effect relationship. In other words, it cannot be unequivocally stated that frequent orgasms specifically protect against cancer.

Perhaps other factors influence the result — general lifestyle, hormonal background, or the psychological state of those individuals who are prone to greater sexual activity.

One of the main hypotheses explains the possible effect by the prostate being more frequently "cleansed" during regular ejaculations. It is assumed that potentially harmful substances do not linger in it for long but are expelled along with the gland's secretion.

In addition, the urologist mentions other possible mechanisms — reduction of inflammatory processes, peculiarities of hormonal regulation, and even that sexually active men are often generally more attentive to their health.

Other Possible Health Benefits

Even if the figure 21+ does not have the official status of a medical norm, experts acknowledge that a regular sexual life benefits the body.

According to studies, after orgasm, a person usually sleeps better, and quality sleep is important for the immune system's function. During sex or masturbation, endorphins — so-called happiness hormones — are also released, while the level of the stress hormone cortisol, conversely, decreases.

That is why scientists are studying the connection between sexual activity and psychological state. There are observations that a regular sexual life can reduce the risk of depressive states.

Sex Should Not Become a Performance Standard

At the same time, urologists warn: sexual activity should not be turned into a "standard." In modern society, where the topic of sex is constantly present in media and social networks, many men already feel psychological pressure. Attempts to achieve a hypothetical "21 times a month" at any cost can become an additional source of stress, which is no longer beneficial for health.

As doctors say, young men, up to 25 years old, on average engage in sex or masturbate ten times a month. Over the years, this frequency usually decreases — especially in couples who have been together for a long time. And although studies show that an active sexual life is beneficial, doctors advise focusing not on numbers, but on one's own well-being and the natural needs of the body.

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