Effect of vasectomy on high density lipoproteins

Primate research has associated vasectomy with accelerated rates of atherogenesis. We have evaluated the effect of vasectomy on serum lipoprotein profiles in healthy men. There was a decrease in high density lipoprotein levels, which was greatest in men with a family history of atherosclerotic disease. With the great number of variables known to affect high density lipoprotein levels further studies are needed to determine if this change can be attributed to the vasectomy.