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Studies have attempted to establish
a relationship between sex, orgasm, vasectomy, and number
of sexual partners or sexually transmitted diseases
with the risk of prostate cancer. None of these studies
have managed to establish a definitive relationship
between any type of sexual activity or sexual operation
with the development of prostate cancer. Sexual intercourse
or activity does not cause prostate cancer or increase
prostate cancer risk.
Prostate-specific Antigen,
Sex, and Prostate Cancer
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of PSA present in the blood stream. A rising level of PSA can indicate a growth of the prostate gland which may be indicative of a prostatic tumor. The prostate
gland, however, is a sexual organ which produces fluid
during sexual arousal and sexual activity. As the gland
is stimulated to produce fluid, the level of PSA present
in the blood stream rises. Sexual activity before taking
a PSA test may result in higher levels of PSA and are
in no way related to the development of prostate cancer.
Sex after Prostate Cancer
Treatment
Prostate cancer therapies treat the prostate gland which
is part of the male reproductive system. Treatment in
this area of the body can cause both sexual and urinary
complications. Sex after prostate cancer is possible,
and is in fact encouraged by doctors. Sexual stimulation,
both manually or by a partner, increases the flow of
blood to the penis and decreases the risk of impotence
after prostate cancer treatment. Sexual activity does
not affect the aggressiveness of malignant prostatic
tissue. After prostate cancer treatment, engaging in
sex does not increase the chance of biochemical recurrence.
To read more about sex after prostate
cancer treatment or how to counteract impotence after
treatment, please visit the Coping
with Impotence Section.
Other Factors
Some researchers believe that having a vasectomy causes
a slight increase for the risk of prostate cancer. Other
researchers have found that having a sexually transmitted
disease such as chlamydia may actually decrease a man’s
chances. These researchers, however, also stress that
men should not attempt to contract chlamydia as a preventative
method. These studies all require further testing and
analysis, however, to substantiate their link to prostate
cancer development.
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