A Long-Term Study of Mortality in Men Who Have Undergone Vasectomy

VASECTOMY is an effective method of contraception that is widely accepted in both developing and developed countries. However, uncertainty persists about possible long-term adverse effects on health. Antibodies to spermatozoa form in up to two thirds of men who have undergone vasectomy, 1 2 3 and they may persist for many years. 4 Immune complexes formed from these antibodies have been postulated to injure the arterial walls and accelerate atherosclerosis. Advanced atherosclerosis has been observed after vasectomy in animals, 5 , 6 but epidemiologic studies in humans generally have not demonstrated any increase in cardiovascular disease for up to 15 years after the procedure. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 However, one study . . .