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Question #12

Hi, I would like to know if you have any info. on the side effects of having a vasectomy?  Specifically any relation to prostate cancer?  There is a particular registered nurse that thinks this is hogwash... is it?

 Answer:  

In regard to your question about the association of prostatic cancer and those who have had prior vasectomies: Yes, there is an approximately 60% increase in risk after vasectomy. For example, if your risk of developing prostate cancer is approximately 20% because your father had it, if you also have a vasectomy your risk will be 20% + (20% x 60% = 12%) = 33%. Obviously for males in a low risk category (e.g., Chinese who have only a few percent chance of developing prostate cancer in their lifetime) the 60% increase is not going to amount to much. But for those in high risk categories such as black males or those whose father's have had prostate cancer it is significant.

Best single summary article:
Edward Giovannucci, MD, et al, JAMA, 2-17-93, vol 269, #7, pages 873-876.

 This question was answered by Greg Polito, MD, KM.  Dr. Polito, currently President of the California Association of Natural Family Planning, is a urologist in private practice in Southern California
with a special interest in vasectomy reversal.  See our link to his web site under our
links page to find out more about him.

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