How often should men ejaculate each month? Doctor debunks the internet myth
A urologist has revealed the science behind how regular ejaculation affects prostate cancer risk, separating fact from fiction in the latest internet health debate.
It’s not exactly dinner table conversation, but a urologist has waded into the debate about how often men should ejaculate each month for optimal health.
I’m slightly relieved our Editor has allowed me to write this article anonymously. I wouldn’t want my wife and teenage kids judging me!
The research behind the numbers
Dr Rena Malik took to YouTube to debunk the internet myths swirling around male sexual health, drawing on two major research studies that tracked thousands of men over decades.
The first study, which followed participants from 1991 until 2010, found that men who ejaculated 21 times per month or more had a notably lower chance of developing prostate cancer compared to those managing just four to seven times monthly.
What the Spanish study revealed
A more recent Spanish study painted an even starker picture.
Researchers interviewed 456 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and 427 without the disease.
Only 15 percent of cancer patients had ejaculated more than four times monthly, while 26 percent of healthy men hit that frequency. Most concerning: men who never ejaculated showed a 271 percent higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Is 21 times the magic number?
So is 21 times the magic number? Not quite, according to Dr Malik.
Let’s do the maths here.
Ejaculating 252 times a year is almost five times a week. You’re either very promiscuous, have a very motivated partner or strong forearms.
Either way, is this realistic?
I’m certainly not asexual and not a prude, but 21 sounds exhausting. Or have I got the wrong perspective? Perhaps this is a small price to pay to avoid prostate cancer.
“This is just one factor in a complex picture,” Dr Malik explained in her video.
“Ejaculating more is not going to magically protect you from prostate cancer and it’s not going to allow you to stop screening.”
The bigger health picture
The doctor emphasised that diet, exercise and regular health screenings remain crucial, and no amount of solo or partnered activity can replace a holistic approach to wellness.
The bottom line
While research suggests regular ejaculation may offer some protective benefits against prostate cancer, it’s one piece of a much larger health puzzle.
Think of it as another reason to maintain intimacy in your relationship or personal routine, rather than a standalone cancer prevention strategy.
Prostate cancer currently affects around one in eight men, making it a serious health concern worth discussing openly despite any awkwardness.
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