Sexual activity and the risk of prostate cancer: Review article

Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2015 Sep 30;87(3):214-5. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2015.3.214.

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual activity can affect prostate cancer pathogenesis in a variety of ways; including the proposed high androgen status, risk of sexually transmitted infections and the potential effect of retained carcinogens within the prostatic cells.

Methods: PubMed review of all publications concerning sexual activity and the risk of prostate cancer was done by two researchers.

Results: Few publications could be detected and data were classified as a prostate cancer risk in association with either heterosexual or homosexual activities.

Conclusion: Frequent ejaculation seems to be protective from the development of prostate cancer. Multiple sexual partners may be protective from prostate cancer, excluding the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Homosexual men are at a greater risk for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Egypt / epidemiology
  • Heterosexuality / statistics & numerical data
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / complications
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Sexual Partners
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / complications
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*