Vasectomy and the human testis.

Abstract

Just as concerns that vasectomy might predispose its acceptors to cardiovascular disease have been largely discounted, Cole et al. have obtained results suggesting that vasectomy accelerates the growth of testicular tumors. Out of a cohort of over 3000 vasectomized men in Scotland, 8 developed testicular cancer within 4 years of the procedure. The expected number of cases would be 1.9. Earlier, Thornhill et al reported 3 cases of a rare mixed seminoma and malignant teratoma 8 weeks after vasectomy. Numerous studies have found abnormalities in testicular biopsy specimens from vasectomized men. These changes include degeneration of seminiferous epithelium, loss of germ cells such as spermatids, dilatation of testicular tubules, thickening of tubular walls, and interstitial fibrosis. More research is needed on factors (i.e., a history of orchitis or family history of autoimmune disease) that may predispose men to different forms of testicular change as well as the association between the formation of sperm granulomas and testicular abnormalities. Most important, however, is further investigation of the proposed association of vasectomy and accelerated tumor growth.