Vasectomy and health. Results from a large cohort study
F. J. Massey Jr, G. S. Bernstein, W. M. O'Fallon, L. M. Schuman, A. H. Coulson, R. Crozier, J. S. Mandel, R. B. Benjamin, H. W. Berendes, P. C. Chang and al. et
In this historical cohort study we identified, located, and, if living,
interviewed 10,590 vasectomized men from four cities, along with a paired
neighborhood control for each. The times between procedure data and
interview or death ranged from under one to 41 years, with median equal to
7.9 years and with 2,318 pairs having ten or more years of follow-up.
Participant reports of diseases or conditions that might possibly be
related to vasectomy through an immunopathological mechanism were validated
by direct contact with physicians and review of medical records. Results of
this study do not support the suggestions of immunopathological
consequences of vasectomy within the period of follow-up. Except for
epididymitis-orchitis, the incidence of diseases for vasectomized men was
similar or lower than for their paired controls.
