You can remove the male cone but you may or may not get a second flush. All you can do is try it and see. A big factor is also gonna me water, soil, nutrients, and light.
The more rows of leaves it holds will also help it grow faster. Goodluck

I've also been interested in what the effect would be of removing a male cone from a cycad. My interest though is preventing cross pollination. I was wondering whether pathogens or pests might get into the growing tip of the plant.

I would think and I am no expert, that you could twist or cut the cone off and dust with a fungicide and it should dry up or heal with no adverse side effects. I always like the looks when the cones or crowns are present, they just look so much more exotic and ancient. Mine are not near old enough to make either yet.

James Maloy