One of the most persistent myths about vasectomy is that it causes long-term health problems like prostate cancer, dementia, or heart disease. These fears have circulated online for decades, but what does the science actually say? Here’s a summary of the research.

Does Vasectomy Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer?

This is the most common concern. Early studies in the 1980s raised questions about a possible link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. However, modern large-scale research has consistently found no significant association:

  • Harvard Health (2017): A review of 700,000 men found no increased risk of prostate cancer after vasectomy.
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI): “The weight of evidence does not support a causal link between vasectomy and prostate cancer.”
  • American Urological Association (AUA): Vasectomy is safe, with no known impact on prostate cancer incidence.

Conclusion: Men with vasectomies are no more likely to develop prostate cancer than men without them.

What About Heart Disease or Stroke?

Another old worry was that vasectomy might affect cardiovascular health. The evidence says otherwise:

  • British Medical Journal (BMJ): No increased risk of heart attack or stroke after vasectomy.
  • Long-term cohort studies: Show identical rates of cardiovascular disease in vasectomized and non-vasectomized men.

Vasectomy does not raise the risk of heart problems.

Does Vasectomy Affect Cognitive Health (Dementia)?

A small 2006 study suggested a possible link between vasectomy and primary progressive aphasia (a rare dementia). This caused headlines but follow-up research has not supported the claim.

  • Mayo Clinic review: No credible evidence that vasectomy increases risk of dementia or memory problems.
  • Experts emphasize the 2006 study was small and not representative.

No proven link between vasectomy and dementia.

Other Long-Term Concerns

  • Autoimmune disease: Vasectomy causes the body to develop antibodies to sperm, but research shows this has no impact on overall health.
  • Sexual health: Libido, erections, and ejaculate volume are unaffected. Studies even show improved sexual confidence post-vasectomy.
  • Mortality: No difference in life expectancy between men who had vasectomy and those who didn’t.

What Experts Say

The consensus across leading medical organizations is clear:

  • AUA: Vasectomy is safe with no proven long-term risks.
  • WHO: Vasectomy has “no adverse impact on men’s health” beyond rare complications of the procedure itself.
  • CDC: No association with cancer, heart disease, or other systemic illnesses.

Final Thoughts

Decades of research show that vasectomy does not increase the risk of cancer, dementia, heart disease, or any other systemic illness. The biggest risks are short-term: minor bruising, swelling, or rare complications like infection. Beyond that, vasectomy is one of the safest, most effective forms of permanent contraception available.

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