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Why has male infertility been associated with prostate cancer later in life?

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Diagram showing the female reproductive system with labeled ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, alongside hormone pathways and the process from ovulation to fertilization and early embryo development. — infertility Major structures and hormones involved in the initiation of pregnancy. Also seen, at right, is the development of an egg cell (ovum) from follicle to embryo.

While male infertility is observed to be associated with the later development of prostate cancer in some men, it is important to clarify that a definitive causal link between the two has not been established.1

Rather than being a direct cause, reduced sperm function and male infertility are currently viewed by researchers as potential risk markers for various health conditions later in life. The underlying mechanisms of prostate cancer itself remain complex and are not entirely understood, though they are often linked to genetic factors—such as mutations in BRCA2 or RNASEL—and aberrant cell signaling involving androgen hormones like testosterone.12

Because the relationship between infertility and prostate cancer is based on statistical associations rather than a proven biological mechanism, medical professionals continue to study these patterns to better understand how reproductive health may reflect broader systemic or genetic predispositions.21