Advice to men over link between vasectomy and prostate cancer

There have been stories in the news today reporting on a large Harvard study into a possible link between vasectomy (male sterilisation) and an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

The most up-to-date guidance from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health is that previous research into any association between vasectomy and prostate cancer has found no evidence of causation (when one thing causes another).

Of course any new research is given due consideration and if it is appropriate, the information and advice that is given to men updated accordingly.

We do not want men to panic and anyone with any concerns – either because they have had, or are considering, a vasectomy – should speak to their doctor. The risk of side effects from having a vasectomy remains very small and we know that male sterilisation is not a decision that men rush into or take lightly.