A study by Harvard Medical School, released on Wednesday, finds a link between daily orgasm and risk of prostate cancer for men over 40. Having a climax every day reduces risk of developing prostate cancer by 20 percent.

The study had 32,000 healthy males over 18 years old as respondents. Of this number, about 4,000 eventually developed prostate cancer, reports Telegraph. Men aged 40 to 49 who ejaculated at least 22 times a month had 20 percent lesser risk of the ailment compared to males who had orgasm only at least seven times a month.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Risk factors include age, race, diet, family history and sedentary lifestyle, according to WebMD. All males are at risk, with one in six to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The risk increases after 50 for white males even if they have no family history of the ailment. But for black males and those with relatives with the disease, the risk begins at 40. By 65 or older, two-thirds of men are diagnosed with the ailment.

In terms of diet, developing the ailment is linked to regular consumption of meat and dairy products, unlike those whose basic diet is rice, soybean products and vegetables and have lower risks.

However, Dr Jennifer Rider of Harvard Medical School cautioned that the findings are observational data. She advised the medical community to be cautious in interpreting the findings.

Dr Marie-Elise Parent, lead researcher, stressed the data is not an endorsement for men to have sex with many women, especially in the light of other studies that found a link with sleeping with many women to lower risk of prostate cancer. One such study was made by researchers at the University of Montreal which concluded having sex with over 20 females cut prostate cancer risk by 19 percent.

Previous studies indicate that ejaculation or orgasm lowers the risk of prostate cancer by flushing out cancer-causing agents. For those without partners, masturbation is one way to achieve orgasm, but it may be in conflict with the teaching of some religions, such as the Roman Catholic Church.

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