It was a comprehensive analysis led by Anders Husby, MD Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, stating a slight but significant increase in the risk of prostate cancer with vasectomy. There is a considerable rise in the number of people undergoing a vasectomy. It is a surgical procedure for males for permanent contraception. In a time when population control is slowly and steadily becoming an essential aspect for couples and families alike, more men are going under the knives to ensure a controlled family size. The procedure includes cutting of the male vas deferens, which is then sealed or tied to prevent the sperm from entering the urethra. Vasectomy is no more seen a stigma among men, and it is more of a safer means for couples to resort to safe sex than resorting to harmful contraceptives.
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Change in Society
A drastic shift has been witnessed in society by not just the women undergoing harrowing situations for birth control. Men are now going in for vasectomy for complete assurance. However, there has been a slight connect established between vasectomy and prostate cancer in a study by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on May 23, 2019. As per the report, vasectomy is interlinked with a long-term risk of prostate cancer, which is said to manifest itself after ten years of vasectomy. This is just similar to the link between breast cancer risk and oral contraceptives in women. Though there has been no official statement from the health ministry, the study was carried out with the help of Danish national health registers. Statistics of 2,150,162 Danish males born between January 1937 and December 1996 were taken up. The end of the study denoted a 15% increased risk of prostate cancer in vasectomised men.
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Prostate Cancer in Men
Prostate cancer in men affects urine control in men. The prostate gland, which produces fluid in the semen, helps in controlling urination in men. A prevalent form of cancer in men, it reacts differently in almost every case. Some cases of prostate cancer may need little or even no treatment, but some may spread in no time. Following are some symptoms of prostate cancer that should raise the alarm. However, prostate cancer has no signs or symptoms in its initial stages:
- Trouble in passing urine
- A substantial decrease in the force of the urine
- Traces of blood in the semen
- Pain in the bone and also prolonged discomfort in the pelvic area
There are no specific causes of prostate cancer, but some cells in the prostate begin abnormal, leading to symptoms of prostate cancer. Mutations in the cells lead to faster growth in cells. The abnormal cells continue to live, whereas the healthy cells die. Several risk factors increase the chances of prostate cancer:
- Colour and race: It is seen those black males have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer than white men.
- Family history: One of the most essential factors, family history of prostate cancer increases the chances in an individual.
- Obesity: Though there is no link between obesity and prostate cancer, increased weight can lead to several lifestyle-related health problems.
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