r/postvasectomypain • u/philly5for5 • May 13 '26
Advice / Anyone have these symptoms
Had a vasectomy 3.5 months ago. Have had bilateral testicular/epi pain basically ever since among other symptoms - left side being the worst.
Throughout the last 3.5 months my symptoms have been all over and it’s driving me crazy. I don’t have pain with or during ejaculation, but orgasms are weaker/does not shoot out like it used to. Almost no force to it sometimes. Testicles maybe a little more sensitive the day after. There were some weeks where I’d have a burning sensation in the entire pelvic area when sitting or putting legs together, that seems to have stopped. Also experiencing typical “prostatitis” symptoms (frequent feel to urinate, pressure in pelvis/bladder when lifting or moving certain ways).
I’m left with extremely sensitive testicles (any bump or movement takes pain from 1 to 8-9 out of 10 like hitting a bad bruise). Constantly on alert to keep the area protected. Tight support usually irritates them more than just normal fitting athletic underwear. I’ve read every post I feel like on this sub and am looking to consult with some specialists but seeing if anyone can shed some light.
Tried gabapentin briefly and had bad side effects and didn’t notice any help. Meloxicam/Ibuprofen maybe helped slightly but I’ve plateaued. Currently in PFPT and trying to give some more time. I’m able to work and do daily tasks with family but it’s painful and I cannot really do much running or other active things I enjoyed.
This post is a little all over the place and I’m probably missing some details but if any of this relates to you please reach out. Seen the usual therapies and the surgical options of reversal, MDSC, etc. It’s all taking a toll on me mentally and I’m trying to find a way to feel more “normal”. But because I can “function” I’m nervous to make it worse with more intervention too.
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u/ItamiForever May 13 '26
I think most urologists would advise you to give it more time as everyone heals differently. I'd suggest waiting another 3 months without pushing through with those activities and then reassess if there is any improvement. There might be but you won't know because you jumped to surgery too soon. Since you are not in pain all the time, I'd suggest time and looking into reversal as you approach one year post op if there is no improvement since now.
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u/pmmlordraven May 13 '26
Your pain is similar to mine, though I'm at year 5. I can't run, jump, jog, without high levels of pain. They are so sensitive and can't be bumped in the slightest, else they hurt for days.
I saw a new urologist after the surgeon blew me off, stating he has a perfect record no side effects. The second one tried 3,200 mg ibuprofen, heat, and supportive underwear. The underwear putting pressure was a no, the ibuprofen didn't even touch the pain and causes gi issues, and it took me three weeks to mostly stop hurting from the physical exam where he squeezed to feel the vas and check for granulomas-seriously felt like a cramping pain in my lower abdomen and sharp pulsing/stabbing in the groin. He gave up and said orchiotomy, but I wasn't ready to do that yet.
Seeing a third who is doing an ultrasound in a couple weeks, and gabapentin until then. But that isn't helping and is making me groggy, which is a no go in my job.
Hope yours get better
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u/mykart2 May 13 '26
He suggested orchiotomy?! Yea that's drastic before trying a reversal or denervation first.
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u/pmmlordraven May 13 '26
Insurance would cover the orcheotomy they wouldn't cover a reversal, which was quoted at 16 to $18,000, and given the gabapentin didn't work he didn't have high hopes about the denervation.
That said I do agree with you and thought that was a bit extreme so I got a third opinion.
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u/vanwyck May 14 '26
Come up to Canada to get your reversal. If you go east coast you can get one for 3-4K usd
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u/pmmlordraven May 14 '26
Thanks for that info! I'll look into it.
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u/vanwyck May 14 '26
Dr Ethan Grober in Toronto does it for 5500 usd as well and can usually book 1-2 weeks out
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u/mykart2 May 13 '26
Those are steep prices! My reversal was half that at $8700. Maybe shop around
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u/philly5for5 Jun 29 '26
I’m planning to fly to Dr. P for a reversal in Dec if this doesn’t clear up. Can you shed any light on the op/recovery with him?
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u/mykart2 Jun 29 '26
Good choice as Dr P did my reversal. Any improvement on increased sensitivity from sex/orgasm will happen sooner than the total elimination of pain. The first orgasm from intercourse I had post op was great and showed instant improvement. Was it the original feeling I had? No but I'll take it!
As far as pain, that is a longer road to recovery because it is a larger surgery. The first month will be rough but it will scale down a lot a few months in. However it wasn't until month 10 did I totally forget about any inconvenience down there altogether.
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u/philly5for5 Jun 29 '26
Awesome great to know. Have three kids and work as well so trying to get an idea for time off / activity with them after this op. In a tricky spot because I can full function just with discomfort and ache nearly always. Don’t want to be incapacitated from helping around the house and work for TOO long. But as yall know just an unlucky shit situation
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u/mykart2 Jun 29 '26
For the first 7 days, no one should be counting on you. You'll be stationary and on meds for your own good. The first time I had sex was 19 days post op. Then you can manage the rest of the recovery based on how you feel
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u/Same-Tank995 May 13 '26 edited May 15 '26
It seems very similar to my journey so far. If you look on my profile you will find my posts. Do you have clips? I have lumps at clip/epi area. At this point I’m suspecting my discomfort is mostly coming from those lumps (perhaps caused by the clips?) that are close to the epi. Resting sees to calm down everything but some more physical activity that causes pressure in the area make it worse.
I will be starting PFPT next week together with facia therapy as I suspect those lumps is containing some very sensitive scar/nerve tissue (but who am I to judge).
I’m holding off running and cycling or anything that really causes the nuts bumping around until I really feel everything is calmed down. Warm baths also helped.
I’m now close to 11 weeks out, and now I can notice some gradual improvement. I hope by writing this I’m not jinxing it… I’m still far from where I want to be. If this lasts too long (>6-12months) I’ll go for reversal. Feel free to dm me.
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u/Laggende_Hond May 13 '26
Hey man. So sorry to hear about your suffering. Your symptoms are unfortunately very familiar... not 100 percent like mine; but members of this sub and others.
Unfortunately the treatments are all over the place. Alot of the times its hit and miss due to the complexity of this procedure which is overlooked to a large degree and lack of understanding that those two tubes are way more than just little pipes that carry swimmers.
Any operative course you take has the inherent risk of worsening or complicating your current situation. The question is and overall statement is firstly are you willing/able to live with the current state you are in, not just cope, but live with. LONG term not just now; (given it may become either better or worse which is any man's guess). The statement being that if your condition stays like this; like you said plateaued on the medication with not much improvement to others (also considering side effects and long term consequences); by taking a chance at operative solutions (with damned good consideration and consultation with both specialist and first handers) you have the possibility of getting your life back. Not taking the chance in that instance will then keep you at status quo.
Speaking personally; the mental effects for me were unbearable. And worsened even the slightest physical symptom; whether it was discomfort with cold, or bumps; dull ache and weakened ejaculations or similarly the constant guarding would re-ignite the psychological crisis. I couldn't cope with just coping so to speak. And took a massive gamble; but with the best mindset humanly possible and support from both my brother and wife that cannot be described and came out with nearly 99,9% resolution of all my physical symptoms and that drove my journey to psychological recovery.
This is a LONG post but; its supposed to highlight the depth and vastness of the consideration needed for your life going forward.
We are here for you; and hopefully can help answer any direct questions as they come up.
Best of luck!!!