Urologist cautions against prescribing sex for prostate cancer prevention

Urologist Dr John Nana Nkrumah has advised against prescribing frequent sexual activity as a method of prostate cancer prevention. Despite research exploring a potential link between ejaculation and the disease, Dr Nkrumah stated that the findings do not offer enough evidence to suggest a specific frequency of sexual activity that would protect against prostate cancer.

During a media discussion on prostate cancer awareness organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Dr Nkrumah highlighted that the study's findings should be considered within the context of other risk factors and the research methodology, rather than being taken as a prescription for a particular number of ejaculations.

He noted that wet dreams, which are involuntary, could not be regulated as a preventive measure. Dr Nkrumah emphasized that while the research findings could be considered, there were limitations that prevented him from recommending sexual activity as a prostate cancer prevention strategy. He also addressed the issue of men in professions or religious commitments involving celibacy, stressing that the available findings do not support the conclusion that men who do not engage in regular sexual activity will necessarily develop prostate cancer.

Dr Nkrumah urged men to focus on established screening and risk factors, and to seek medical advice early. He added that some advanced prostate cancer treatments could affect sexual potency, particularly those that reduce testosterone levels. When cancer becomes advanced or metastatic, some treatment approaches target testosterone, a hormone associated with disease progression.

Reduction of testosterone levels through medical or surgical means can lead to decreased sexual drive and potency, impacting a patient's quality of life. Dr Nkrumah stressed the importance of early detection of prostate cancer to increase the likelihood of effective treatment and prevent progression to advanced disease.