Is There a Link Between STDs and Prostate Cancer?

Is There a Link Between STDs and Prostate Cancer?
Tuesday February 24, 2009
Matthew Schmitz, M.D.
About.com

Several research studies in the past have found that men with the highest number of sexual partners and those who have been diagnosed with certain sexually transmitted diseases (such as gonorrhea) have higher rates of prostate cancer later in life.

Several theories have been proposed as to how sexually transmitted diseases could increase a manï¿½s chance of prostate cancer. One theory suggests that the inflammatory reaction incited within the prostate by sexually transmitted infections may cause pre-existing cancer cells to multiply more quickly than they otherwise would have. Other theories have tried to show that STDs actually cause mutations in the genes of prostate cells, thus leading to cancer.

No one is quite sure as to what the link between STDs and prostate cancer really is, but many doctors and scientists feel that there is in fact a link.

ï¿½2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.