Ladies it’s up to you to decrease your partner’s risk of prostate cancer!

“Do it for the prostate, love!” is a phrase that makes most women roll their eyes. In fact, it’s the kind of phrase that can be lumped with “but men mow and women vacuum” and “real men don’t eat quiche.” Quite simply, it’s something that men say when they want to get their way – whatever that may be! But next time you hear your man say the first phrase, he really does have a point.

According to researchers from Harvard Medical School, the first modifiable risk factor for prostate cancer has been found. It’s ejaculation.

The finding was announced at this year’s annual meeting of the American Urological Association in New Orleans.

A modifiable risk factor refers to the risks people can prevent through healthy habits, such as diet and exercise. Essentially, they’re lifestyle choices and the lifestyle choice you make about the frequency of sex can have big impacts on your man’s health.

The study followed just under 32,000 healthy men for 18 years, 3,839 of whom later were diagnosed with prostate cancer. The men monitored their average monthly frequency of ejaculation and found interesting correlations.

The results showed men who ejaculated at least 21 times a month reduced their risk for prostate cancer by 20 percent compared to men who ejaculated four to seven times a month. So ladies, men now have a viable, scientific reason to enjoy some fun!

However, it’s important to note that the study only measured it in relation to the incidence of prostate cancer, of any form, not in isolation with lethal prostate cancer.

According to Cancer Australia, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, accounting for over 30% of diagnosed cancers in 2010. The good news is that in 2010, the five year relative survival rate sat at 92% meaning that if detected early enough and treated, it doesn’t have to be lethal.

It’s a dangerous cancer, one that almost no one sees coming, so being able to reduce the risk for any man is a very significant step forward.

So this week, if he pulls a silly excuse out of the bag to coerce you into some fun, perhaps just go along with it – at least you can tell yourself you’re doing it for a good cause!