Vasectomies Do Not Increase Prostate Cancer Risk: Study

1. Vasectomies Do Not Increase Prostate Cancer Risk: Study Men who pursue vasectomies to address long-term birth control needs will find this highly effective method of sterilization isn’t likely to significantly increase their chances of developing prostate cancer. That’s according to a relatively new study that dove into this topic that’s of great interest to men around the world who are exploring their family planning options. Vasectomies are considered highly effective methods for long-term birth control. This relatively simple surgery involves the cutting or blocking of tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles. When the surgery is performed, men will find their ability to reproduce is effectively shut off as a result. This option is selected by many men seeking a permanent solution for birth control. Although sometimes reversible, this procedure enables men to more or less leave concerns about reproduction behind. Some men, however, have been concerned about exploring this option out of fear it might increase their cancer risks. The study in question followed a large population of men after they had undergone vasectomy procedures. Researchers found over the course of many years that men who chose this birth control option had no significant increase of risk. The study’s findings are contrary to a few others that showed a possible link. Researchers, however, say they were able to control some of the factors that may have impacted the results of previous studies.

2. The study focused on more than 300,000 men between the age of 20 and 65 who had vasectomies. These men were followed for nearly 11 years with their outcomes compared with men who had not undergone vasectomies. The overall results showed no significant differences between men in the study group and the control in regard to prostate cancer frequency. A slightly elevated number of high-grade prostate cancer cases were noted in the vasectomy group. The elevation, however, was slight enough that random chance could not be ruled out. Men who are concerned about prostate cancer risk should talk with their healthcare providers. While the jury is still technically out on the risk vasectomies pose, most healthcare providers say any elevated risk is low enough that it shouldn’t deter men from considering this birth control option.