Does vasectomy increase my risk of prostate cancer?

Answer From Erik P. Castle, M.D.

No, having a vasectomy doesn't increase your risk of prostate cancer.

Researchers have conducted many studies on this subject. 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 may have an increased risk of prostate cancer if you're African-American or if you have a close family member with prostate cancer.

April 30, 2020 See more Expert Answers

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  1. Infographic: Ablation for Cancer Treatment
  2. Ablation therapy
  3. Active surveillance for prostate cancer
  4. Biopsy procedures
  5. Blood in semen
  6. Blood in urine (hematuria)
  7. Bone scan
  8. Brachytherapy
  9. Chemo Targets
  10. Chemotherapy
  11. Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment
  12. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
  13. Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting: Prevention is best defense
  14. Cryoablation for cancer
  15. CT scan
  16. CT scans: Are they safe?
  17. Digital rectal exam
  18. External beam radiation for prostate cancer
  19. Flaxseed: Does it affect risk of prostate cancer?
  20. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
  21. Get ready for possible side effects of chemotherapy
  22. Ginger for nausea: Does it work?
  23. Leg swelling
  24. Magic mouthwash
  25. MRI
  26. PALS (Pets Are Loving Support)
  27. Pelvic pain
  28. Pomegranate juice: A cure for prostate cancer?
  29. Prostate artery embolization
  30. Prostate cancer
  31. Prostate cancer brachytherapy: Can I pass radiation to others?
  32. Infographic: Prostate Cancer: Choline c-11
  33. Prostate cancer: Does PSA level affect prognosis?
  34. Prostate cancer metastasis: Where does prostate cancer spread?
  35. Prostate cancer prevention
  36. Prostate cancer screening
  37. Prostate cancer treatment: Does initial treatment preclude others later?
  38. Prostatectomy
  39. Proton Beam Therapy
  40. Proton therapy
  41. PSA test
  42. PSA: To Test or Not To Test
  43. Radiation therapy
  44. Seeing Inside the Heart with MRI
  45. Symptom Checker
  46. Ultrasound
  47. MRI
  48. Orchestrating Care (and robotic surgery) for Prostate Cancer - Mayo Clinic