Long term effect of vasectomy on pituitary-gonadal axis

Abstract

PIP: 180 men, aged 35-45 years, who had been vasectomized from 1 to 10 years previously, were subjected to serological radioimmunological tests to determine the effects on the pituitary-gonadal axis. No differences could be found between the test groups and a control group for serum content of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Serum content of luteinizing hormone was not changed for the age group 35-40, but those 41-45 years old showed an increase, which was not statistically significant. No changes were noted for serum estrogens. Serum testosterone showed no changes for the 35-40 group, and a statistically significant increase for those 41-45. On the basis of these data, particularly that of FSH content, it is considered that vasectomy does not alter the function of spermatogenesis.