More sex for a healthy prostate - report

One in 13 men will develop prostate cancer before the age of 75. Photo / iStock

More sex could be the secret to a healthy prostate, New Zealand researchers have found.

A new report, Prostate Health... Sex, Lies and Misconceptions, released by Christchurch-based natural health researcher Warren Matthews, says men as young as 40 need to adopt a natural preventative approach, which includes more sex, to improve prostate health.

This month marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and men are being urged to "man up and give prostate cancer the finger" by submitting to regular digital prostate exams as part of the international Blue September campaign.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, one in 13 men will develop prostate cancer before the age of 75.

Frustrated by misinformation and a lack of medical emphasis on clinically-proven natural preventative treatments, Mr Matthews speaks frankly with men about the pros and cons of the digital prostate exam and other interventions used in the diagnosis and treatment of an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.

Also of concern is the "glossing over" of some of the serious side effects of drugs being prescribed for an enlarged prostate - a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - which may result in permanent sexual dysfunction, says Mr Matthews.

"There are thousands of men worldwide who have had unnecessary, invasive or non-surgical intervention for issues of the prostate, and are now having to deal with sexual dysfunction, incontinence, rectal bleeding and other serious or permanent side effects," he said.

"These side effects can have a dramatic impact on a man's sexual wellbeing and self-esteem. It's time for men to fight prostate cancer by understanding what clinically-proven natural alternatives are available, and practice prevention much earlier."

* The report, Prostate Health... Sex, Lies and Misconceptions, is free and can be downloaded here.