Vasectomy: Does it increase my risk of prostate cancer?

Does vasectomy increase the risk of prostate cancer?

- Ash / California

Answer

No. Although 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 are at increased risk of prostate cancer if you are older than age 50 or if you have a close family member with prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. However, if you have any of the following symptoms and believe you might be at risk of prostate cancer, contact your doctor:

• Dull pain in your lower pelvic area
• Urgency or pain of urination, difficulty starting urination
• Weak or intermittent urine flow
• A sensation that your bladder doesn't empty
• Frequent urination at night
• Blood in your urine
• Painful ejaculation
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Persistent bone pain

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