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.

Nov. 02, 2018 See more Expert Answers

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  1. Infographic: Ablation for Cancer Treatment
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  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. External beam radiation for prostate cancer
  18. Flaxseed: Does it affect risk of prostate cancer?
  19. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
  20. Get ready for possible side effects of chemotherapy
  21. Ginger for nausea: Does it work?
  22. Leg swelling
  23. Magic mouthwash
  24. MRI
  25. PALS (Pets Are Loving Support)
  26. Pelvic pain
  27. Pomegranate juice: A cure for prostate cancer?
  28. Prostate artery embolization
  29. Prostate cancer
  30. Prostate cancer brachytherapy: Can I pass radiation to others?
  31. Infographic: Prostate Cancer: Choline c-11
  32. Prostate cancer: Does PSA level affect prognosis?
  33. Prostate cancer metastasis: Where does prostate cancer spread?
  34. Prostate cancer prevention
  35. Prostate cancer screening
  36. Prostate cancer treatment: Does initial treatment preclude others later?
  37. Prostatectomy
  38. Proton Beam Therapy
  39. Proton therapy
  40. PSA test
  41. PSA: To Test or Not To Test
  42. Radiation therapy
  43. Seeing Inside the Heart with MRI
  44. Symptom Checker
  45. Ultrasound
  46. MRI
  47. Orchestrating Care (and robotic surgery) for Prostate Cancer - Mayo Clinic