Is vasectomy a risk factor for prostate cancer?

Recently, several case-control studies have suggested that vasectomy may predispose to prostate cancer. Other studies have found no increase in risk. All of these studies have a number of limitations. Taken together, these studies do not provide convincing evidence that vasectomy increases the risk of prostate cancer. However, in view of the high prevalence of prostate cancer and the growing worldwide importance of vasectomy as a form of contraception, further epidemiological research is warranted. After briefly commenting on the experimental studies we will examine the epidemiological studies in more detail. This will be done by first summarising the designs and main findings of the most relevant published studies and then discussing methodological issues relating to the studies taken as a whole. Finally, we will present conclusions and offer recommendations for future research.