Sexual activity and the risk of prostate cancer.

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.