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Review
. 2016 Jul 18:8:85-93.
doi: 10.2147/RRU.S71325. eCollection 2016.

Vasectomy and prostate cancer risk: a historical synopsis of undulating false causality

Max Nutt  1 , Zachary Reed  1 , Tobias S Köhler  1
Affiliations
Review

Vasectomy and prostate cancer risk: a historical synopsis of undulating false causality

Max Nutt et al. Res Rep Urol. .

Abstract

The potential influence of vasectomy being a risk factor for the development of prostate cancer is not a new concept, with more than 30 publications addressing the topic. Given the global frequency of vasectomy and the prevalence of prostate cancer, this subject justifiably deserves scrutiny. Several articles have claimed that vasectomy puts men at risk for future development of prostate cancer. We explore articles that have shown the contrary (no link), explore the studies' strengths and weaknesses, describe possible prostate cancer pathophysiologic mechanisms, and apply Bradford Hill criteria to help discern correlation with causation. The risk and interest of association of prostate cancer with vasectomy has waxed and waned over the last three decades. Based on our review, vasectomy remains a safe form of sterilization and does not increase prostate cancer risk.

Keywords: pathophysiology; prostate cancer; vasectomy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of the associations between vasectomy and prostate cancer over the years.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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