According to urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar, researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that vasectomy is associated with a small increased risk of prostate cancer, and a larger increased risk for advanced or lethal prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among American men and approximately 15 percent of American men have had a vasectomy.
The New York Times wrote that earlier studies suggested that a link may exist between vasectomies and prostate cancer. Yet many experts rejected the idea saying that men who have vasectomies may receive more medical care and therefore may be more likely to be diagnosed.
Researchers analyzed data from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which observed almost 50,000 American men for up to 24 years between the years of 1986 and 2010. During that time, just over 6,000 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed, including over 800 lethal cases. One in four of the men reported having a vasectomy.
The team found a 10 percent overall increased risk of prostate cancer in those men who had a vasectomy, but no association between a vasectomy and low-grade cancers was found.
Among men who received regular PSA screening from their urologist Des Moines, the comparative increase in risk of lethal prostate cancer was over 50 percent. The effect appeared to be higher among men who had a vasectomy at a younger age.
The reason for the increase is unclear, but some experts speculate that immunological changes, abnormal cell growth or hormonal imbalances after a vasectomy may also affect prostate cancer risk.
In the study, researchers had access to varied information and ruled out potential biases, including the possibilities that men who have vasectomies seek more medical care in or have higher rates of PSA screening, The association may also be compelled by differences in sex hormone levels, sexually transmitted infections or cancer treatment.
According to your urologist Des Moines, a vasectomy does not increase the risk for prostate cancer over all and we’re really seeing the association only for advanced state and lethal cancers.
Several urologists have said that a significant amount of research is necessary to determine the accuracy of the findings.
If you have questions regarding the effects of a vasectomy Des Moines residents rely on Dr. Fawad Zafar. Don’t wait – call today to schedule an appointment to have your questions answered.