Scared of prostate cancer? Have a daily dose of orgasm!
A new study conducted by US researchers suggested that a once-a-day ejaculation can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by almost a quarter.
Prostate cancer affects the man's prostate, a walnut-size-gland that is found between the penis and the bladder. One of its major roles is to keep the sperm protected and healthy by secreting the essential fluids. Sperm, on the other hand, goes out with the rest of the semen during an ejaculation or on orgasm.
Each year, at least 215,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year. However, compared to other types of cancer, the survival rate is pretty high since it's usually slow growing. Stage 1 prostate cancer, for instance, has almost 100% 5-year survival, but it drops to 28% when it's terminal.
The study, which was performed by Brigham's Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, cited that ejaculation at least 21 times per month can decrease the risk by 22%.
Further, aside from sex, men could achieve orgasm through masturbation or nocturnal emission, or wet dream. It is characterized by spontaneous orgasm while sleeping and normally occurs among adolescents.
Despite the possibly good benefit of orgasm, researchers warned that the study was merely observational, which means more studies needed to be carried out.
In the meantime, prostate cancer has its own screening called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). It is an examination that measures the level of a specific protein that's present in prostate cells. The result is usually higher if a man is suspected of prostate cancer.
As to when to get a screening test varies, although Medicare provides screening coverage for men at least 50 years old. Those who are at a higher risk like a family history of the disease may have to undergo as early as 40. However, some health experts believed it's not always necessary and that men should be introduced to both risks and benefits of it before the procedure is performed.
