Vasectomy and prostate cancer: what should you know?

A vasectomy blocks the tubes that carry sperm and does not remove the prostate. It is a contraception procedure, not a cancer treatment. A diagnosis of prostate cancer is assessed using the prostate examination, prostate-specific antigen testing when appropriate, imaging and sometimes tissue sampling. A past vasectomy should be included in your medical history, but it does not replace cancer assessment.

Prostate cancer can occur without early symptoms. Urinary difficulty may also result from non-cancerous prostate enlargement, infection or other conditions. A symptom is not proof of cancer; the condition itself can present with urinary changes.

Keep routine health appointments and tell the clinician when your vasectomy was performed, along with any urinary, sexual or pelvic changes. Seek an assessment if you notice difficulty passing urine, blood in urine or semen, persistent pain, or a change that does not settle. Evaluation may include a history, examination and tests chosen for your situation.

If prostate cancer is diagnosed, options depend on its extent, grade, symptoms and your general health. Discussions may include surveillance, prostate removal surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy or other treatments.

Get urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, have severe worsening pain, heavy bleeding, fever with urinary symptoms, or feel faint. These warning signs need prompt assessment regardless of whether you have had a vasectomy.

Ask which tests fit your symptoms, whether your prostate needs examination, and how your vasectomy history affects the assessment. If cancer is found, ask what the grade and extent mean and why a proposed treatment is being recommended.