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  • With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist

    Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.

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Mayo Clinic Health Manager

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Question

Vasectomy: Does it increase my risk of prostate cancer?

Does vasectomy increase the risk of prostate cancer?

Answer

from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.

No, having a vasectomy doesn't increase your risk of getting prostate cancer. Many studies have been performed to see if there is a link. The best current evidence indicates no increased risk of prostate cancer after vasectomy.

If you're concerned about your prostate cancer risk, talk to your doctor about possible symptoms and screening tests. You're at increased risk of prostate cancer if you're older than age 50 or if you have a close family member with prostate cancer.

Next question
Prostate cancer: Does PSA level affect prognosis?
References
  1. Vasectomy and cancer risk. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/vasectomy. Accessed May 12, 2009.
  2. Holt SK, et al. Vasectomy and the risk of prostate cancer. The Journal of Urology. 2008;180:2565.

AN01634

June 18, 2009

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