A leading consultant urologist, Dr. Odezi Otobo, has debunked the widely held belief that frequent lovemaking or having multiple partners can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Otobo, who works at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), made this clarification during a medical outreach for men organized by the Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calabar.
The event was part of activities marking Movember, an annual global campaign to raise awareness about men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges.
“There Is No Medical Evidence”
Dr. Otobo dismissed social media claims suggesting that regular intimacy or multiple partners offer protection against prostate cancer.
“There is no medical or urological evidence that constant lovemaking and ejaculation reduce a man’s risk of contracting prostate cancer,” he said.
He explained that the disease is linked to hereditary factors, lifestyle choices, or environmental influences.
“Instead of taking unprofessional and unscientific advice from different quarters, it is important to visit a hospital if you notice anything unusual,” he added.
Dr. Otobo also emphasized the importance of early detection for effective treatment.
“For men in their forties and fifties, regular screening is crucial. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer, and early intervention can make a huge difference,” he noted.
Lifestyle Over Myths
The urologist advised men to focus on healthy living rather than relying on myths.
“Prostate cancer is not prevented by having multiple side chicks. It’s better to change your lifestyle, eat well, exercise, and avoid risky habits,” Dr. Otobo stated.
Men Urged to Prioritize Health
At the event, Mr. Yegwa Ukpo, Executive Director of the Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre, called on men to take their health seriously.
Represented by Mrs. Mercy Njoku, the centre’s Event and Outreach Manager, Ukpo highlighted the societal pressures that often prevent men from addressing health issues.
“There’s something about masculinity in our society that makes men think they must keep their issues to themselves,” she said.
She raised concerns about the rising cases of men dying suddenly in their forties and fifties.
“Many men are overworking themselves and neglecting their health. They consume excessive alcohol, ignore regular checkups, and don’t monitor critical organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart,” she added.
Ukpo said the outreach aimed to change this narrative by encouraging men to embrace regular medical screenings.
“This event will be held annually to ensure men prioritize their health,” she promised.
Church Backs Medical Outreach
The Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), which hosted the outreach, partnered with the Asi Ukpo Centre to promote men’s health awareness.
Dr. Saviour Eze, Head of the Medical Team at CCCI, said the church recognized the importance of addressing physical health through medical experts.
“While we pray for God’s healing, we also believe that God has placed medical professionals to handle physical illnesses,” Dr. Eze said.
He praised the outreach for specifically targeting men, which he described as “unusual and much needed in our society.”
