Hello all,

I am 45 and I have been in various degrees of pain since I had a

vasectomy back in 1991. In 2000 the pain started getting worse so, I

went to see an Urologist in the same practice that originally

performed the vasectomy. The Dr. that saw me this time was not the

one that did the vasectomy. The original Dr. had retired and was no

longer practicing in the medical field. I told this Dr. about my

problems with pain in my testicles. He seemed to get agitated and

said if I would have come to him for the vasectomy that he would not

have performed the operation at all because of problems associated

with them. He also said and I quote, "vasectomies have ruined a many

of good men, that's the reason I don't do them". He treated me with

antibiotics just in case that I had an infection and told me to come

back in two weeks for a follow up. In two weeks, I returned with no

improvements in pain. He then told me that these things were very

difficult to treat and sometimes even lead to orchiectomies to try to

relieve the pain. At that time I was 37 and this news scared the

shit of me, so I left and never returned until August of 2008 when

the pains became unbearable.

When I returned this Dr. was no longer practicing in this office so,

I had to start over with a PA who determined that I had a prostate

infection and put me on two different antibiotics with no help with

the pain. I was then referred to one of the Drs. in the practice when

my original Dr was there. I told him that I was experiencing post

vasectomy pain syndrome as diagnosed back in 2000 and he immediately

dismissed that diagnosis and said that I had a hernia causing my

pain. He scheduled an appointment with a general surgeon to correct

my very and I mean very small inguinal hernia on my left side.

After talking to the general surgeon about my problems he said that I

did have a hernia but, in his opinion this was not the cause of the

pain in both of my testicles. He also stated that sometimes this

type of surgery makes the pain worse. He also said that the surgery

had a remote chance of causing the blood supply to be cut off to the

testicle causing an orchiectomy to be performed to prevent gangrene.

I went ahead with the surgery because he said that hernias just get

bigger with time and the longer that I waited the worse the operation

would become to repair it. After healing, the pain in my testicles

stayed the same but, now I had pain at the surgery site when I was at

work and active. This just made matters worse as far as I was

concerned. I was now hurting in three places rather than two.

I then went back to the Urology clinic and asked for a different Dr.

to see me this time. This Dr. was very sympathetic and apologized for

the way that this had turned out for me. He said that he believed the

pain was caused by the vasectomy creating back pressure on my

testicles and that I had developed an autoimmune problem to my own

sperm also contributing to my pain. He said before doing any type of

surgery that he wanted me to see a pain specialist to try to help me.

This was more of a waste of time and money than anything. After ten

months of trying different treatments and prescription medications

along with opioids which did help with the pain but, would not allow

me to function at work. I was told by the pain doctor that he had

tried everything in his bag of tricks and he thought that surgery was

my only option for regaining some quality of life out of this. He

referred me back to the Urology clinic for sugery.

As of right now I am waiting to have a bilateral inguinal orchiectomy

surgery on the 27th of this month. I hope and pray that this will end

my ordeal with the pain caused by a(simple operation)called a

vasectomy. I know that there is a possibility that I might still have

pain after this but, considering the odds I will take my chances.

After all that has gone wrong so far for me eventually, I may get my

life back.

Thank you for allowing me to talk to others that have been emasculated for various reasons.:-\

I'm very sorry that you have gone through such a painfull ordeal. I certainly hope you find the relief that you are seeking. There is a LARGE amount of information here on hormone replacement for after your sugery. You may want to start doing your homework on that now and you DEFINITELY want to get a baseline of you hormones BEFORE surgery. Good Luck and stick around a while.

It does make me wonder what the true percentage of vasectomies end up causing long term pain or discomfort. Anyone have any idea?

flat bagger, feel for you, cause I have basicly been through the same thing,

have had hernias on both sides, and repairs, and still have sore periods many yrs later especially when working on something twisting and pulling using the muscles in that area , takes me about a week for the soreness to go away

have had testicle pains off and on (keep thinking the many yrs of MC racing helped start things) , then got a vasectomy, then things really got interesting of , REAL serious type pain in those nuts,

went to doc after doc, from pain killers to antibiotics, then found a uro, that did seem to know his stuff, did a ultrasound, and suggested we try the epididyectomy (basicly carving the epididymus off the nuts), it worked for a while, then the pain came back over about 5yrs(memory serves right:-\)

then I went back to the doc, he was rather puzzled in one way, but still willing to try things, so we did another ultrasound,did find varocoles(but claimed they shouldnt hurt-but to me they did hurt) did some different meds, still no real good results, then when he put me on hrt, which took the load off of the nuts, the pain lowered, we messed with that a while, but I still had bouts of pain, that one day I flat told him of just cut the damn things out, (his eyes kinda had a shocked look, and made the point that for someone to say that it must really hurt, since pretty much all his orchies were for TC, and those people all freaked on him, yet here I am begging him to do it, )

well then I finally got him to take one out, well after things healed(hey it does hurt, just cant understand why-seems your body just dont like stuff like that happening)

well, got half the pain relieved , and went about a yr, but still if I did alot of walking, the other one felt like I was walking around with a vice grip clamped on the top of the nut and on the cord, fussed around with that, he did another ultra sound, nothing outstanding showed. but the pain persisted,

another office visit, and I hit him up again about getting the other one out, he went off about no sex ect, all the scare tactics he could come up with, this went on for another month or so, (I was seeing him weekly, with the weekly conversation of damit when are you going to take this thing out) finally got him convinced to do it , he had to hear it from my other half, and a signed statement by both of us ect,

well, had the surgery scheduled, the presurgery consultation ended up more like a psych evaluation, the person who did the interview was really impressed with my knowledge and understanding of things, since the others who have had surgery of both side out (TC again), ended up having mental issues, but with me WANTING this done was a new one for them, so I was a rather different bird for them,

surgery day, since this was a small hospital and the we pretty much knew most of the surgi center crew,from my wifes previous surgeries, it was a rather special day, they all went out of thier way to make things nice, all the way into the OR, even had the doc intro the crew, since I was a rarity, the anesthesiologist was really cool, told me , she would have me out and back before I knew it, (and did it)

well its been nine months with no regrets, NO PAIN, (have even ran into some of the surgi crew people out around town, they always ask how Im doing, and are rather fascinated by me saying no regrets ect, )

I just hope you are able to get your pain relief, and have a good experience when it gets done,

any questions feel free to PM me,

best wishes crank

I found this information on the Vasectomy-information.com website: http://www.vasectomy-information.com/moreinfo/risks.htm

I have simplified and paraphrased the information below in the interest of saving bandwidth. The whole page is worth a look.

No medical procedure is without risk. Life itself is not without risk. We subconsciously risk assess all the time. For example, every time we take a trip in the car, every time we cross a road, and every time we lift a can of beans from the shelf we do a risk assessment. When undergoing a medical procedure - especially an elective one, we go through a conscious process of risk assessment. It's important to consider what risks there are to vasectomy. At the same time, it's also important to consider the risks of other birth control methods, your personal circumstances and come to a balanced risk decision.

.

longer term complications / other information

Sperm granuloma

Usually defined as a leakage of sperm from vasectomy site or rupture in epididymus. Sperm has highly antigenic properties, and the leakage can provoke an inflammatory reaction. The body forms pockets - firm balls of tissue about .05" in diameter to trap sperm.

Granuloma's typically occur in the 2nd or 3rd week2 in 60% of men with vasectomy, but are troublesome in only 3%-5% of cases.1 Most granuloma's are asymptomatic (the patient doesn't know they are there), and resolve themselves over time. However, if they are not healed by time, then injecting it with steroids or actually cutting out the inflamed granuloma has been found to be effective. Surgery should always be viewed as a last resort. Most granulomas resolve with conservative treatment, < 1% require surgery.6

Congestive epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymus - may occur in the first year and usually clears up within a week when treated.1 General incidence 0.4% - 6.1%, 1 Standard vasectomy 6%, 2 Open ended vasectomy 2%.2 In standard vasectomy, incidence varies between 2.8% and 5.6% depending on the method of sealing the vas deferens.2

Antisperm antibodies (ASA's)

Antisperm antibodies are present in all men and women, but not necessarily at detectable levels. Between 52%-68% of men1,2 will develop an increase in detectable ASA's. Genital tract infections, orchitis or std's will increase the risk.1

Not all men develop detectable levels of ASA - men with higher pre-vas sperm count are likely to have sustained or early high levels of antibodies. Non-vasectomised men who are infertile have the highest level of antibodies.2 The antisperm response appears to be a problem only if a man wishes to have his vasectomy reversed.1

Negative psychological effects

Some men go through a brief period of self consciousness. 50% of men keep their operation a secret, they may believe that the operation is tainted by the stigma of emasculation and thinking it would degrade them in the eyes of their friends. This period passes quickly. A small percentage of men experience depression and angry emotions. Some experience a period of mourning over the loss of their ability to reproduce. These feelings usually resolve given time. A very small percentage of couples experience adjustment difficulties. The emotional distress manifests in sexual dysfunction, impotence, or premature ejaculation. The vasectomy is the catalyst but not the cause. Studies show men who experience impotence post vasectomy are more likely to have female partners who are unable to accept the operation.1

Chronic noninfectious epididymal pain

Otherwise known as post vasectomy pain syndrome (PVP), or sometimes chronic testicular pain (CTP).

A small percentage of men do suffer what is know as "Post Vasectomy Pain syndrome" (PVP). This is a collective title for any long term problem relating to vasectomy - not a disease or syndrome in it's own right. The percentage will vary widely depending on what web article or study you are reading. Also, the definition of PVP varies between studies/articles. Some studies/articles include the normal slight bruising or swelling that occurs in the statistics, some don't. The accepted definition is where problems remain unresolved after a period of three months or more. Responsible research will adhere to this accepted definition.

There is a problem with quoting statistics on PVP - due to the diversity of the condition and quality of research available, it's NOT possible to put a percentage on the number of men that suffer PVP. One peer review study8 explains the difficulty:- "In most studies, assessment of post-vasectomy complications was based on unsystematic, self referred, unblinded medical consultations with no objective criteria and no timing and length of follow-up specified. All the preceding pitfalls contribute to the overall low methodological quality of most currently available comparative studies."

The causes of pvp tend to be scarring from the surgery, obstruction of part of the epididymus causing swelling in another section and pinched nerves. In some men, an immunological reaction of antisperm antibodies can also give rise to the symptoms. Chronic orchialgia happens in approximately 1% of cases. This is a dull ache in testicles due to congestion of dead sperm. It usually disappears within 6 months.1

Recent recommendations are that doctors warn patients there is a risk of long term pain. However, there is insufficient data to enable anyone to put an accurate figure on what the risks actually are. Comparative studies are rare, but one study that compares vasectomised men with non-vasectomised men quotes 0.9% in the first 12 months for men with vasectomy, and 0.1% for the non vasectomised controls. After the first year the rates quoted are 1.8%, and 1.0% non vasectomised controls (median 7.9 years follow up).2 One review study2 quotes the rate of post vasectomy epididymitis-orchitis as approximately 1 case per 1000 person-years.

Treatment options are dependant on the exact symptoms. As explained earlier, the condition known as PVP is a collection of various symptoms and causes - many of them common urological conditions. Doctors will generally initially adopt conservative treatment measures including antibiotics and pain killers.

If the problem is not resolved by conservative treatments, then there are several surgical options - dependant on the symptoms. Vasectomy reversal has a success rate of up to 84%5. This tends to be the most general approach. Epididymectomy (removal of the epididymus) has a success rate of up to 90%4, but requires more specific diagnosis. Microsurgical denervation has a success rate of up to 96% in meticulously selected cases.3

Prostate cancer and vasectomy

This has made the news on occasions, but what are the facts?

In the early 1980's a couple of studies found that vasectomised men had higher testosterone levels later in life that non-vasectomised men. If the studies were entirely accurate is a matter of debate. However, it is known that an increased level of testosterone can lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Two studies published in 1993 by the same team, using the same data set indicated that men with vasectomy were more likely to develop prostate cancer later in life. It's important here to look at the numbers involved in the studies. The study had 10,055 participants, and 37,800 non vasectomised men as controls. The number of men who had prostate cancer AND a vasectomy were 59, and 54 in each study. The numbers involved do not provide sufficient data to make statements from - especially as much of the data was a postal questionnaire sent to female partners. However, the results of the study made the headlines, and the rest is history.

It's interesting to note that a study published in 1974 by Kaiser Permante Healthcare involving 43,432 men on an 8-15 year after vasectomy follow up study based on medical records found that vasectomised men did not have an increased incidence of prostate cancer. That study never made the news, and consequently didn't become an urban legend.

More recent studies have learned from the flawed methodology of sending out postal questionnaires to third parties. There have been some very large studies carried out in various countries in recent years concentrating on medical records. They ascertain if the men have had a vasectomy, and prostate cancer. These more recent studies found firstly that men with a vasectomy did not have prostate cancer any more often than non vasectomised men. They also found that men who had vasectomies were more likely to look after their general health, therefore more likely to get themselves checked for prostate cancer, therefore prostate cancer was more likely to be detected.

The World Health Organisation has reviewed all the research, and for some time has been recommending that men who have had a vasectomy should not be screened any more than non vasectomised men are.

The fact is that simple dietary changes will decrease your risk of developing all cancers, whereas having a vasectomy is not going to alter your chances of developing it. We have an article that gives you more information on the topic.

Other discounted health risks

Over the years, many associations between vasectomy and various health conditions have been researched. The following are all conditions where the association between it and vasectomy have been disproved.

Testicular Cancer

"The record linkage study by Moller et all and the case control study by the United Kingdom group represent the largest studies to date, report no elevated risk among men with vasectomy. These studies offer the most convincing evidence that vasectomy is not likely to induce or accelerate testicular tumors. In summary, testicular cancer rates are not increased among men with vasectomy."2

Heart disease & blood pressure

"There is no association between vasectomy and any coronary disease risk factors and no relationship between vasectomy and degree of occlusion of the coronary vessels. There is also no significant difference in mean systolic or diastolic blood pressure after vasectomy.

The incidence of cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease does not rise with time after vasectomy in excess of the normal increase with ageing, even when men are followed up long term after the procedure for 10 or 15 years. Morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease does not increase after vasectomy and may even be reduced, as healthier men seem to choose vasectomy."7

Auto-immunity

Endocrine

Neurological

Pulmonary

Mental disorders

There is no significant difference in incidence of or hospitalisation for the diseases listed opposite. There is no significant change in activity of blood clotting factors, no clinical evidence of Thrombosis and no significant difference in blood chemistry measurements, white blood cell count or haematocrit.

The largest cohort study to date involving nearly 22,000 men found that men who had undergone vasectomy had similar or lower rates of 98 diseases (including various cancers, auto-immune diseases and heart disease) as controls who had not had vasectomy.

Whilst at least 50% of men permanently had sperm agglutinating or immobilizing auto-antibodies in their serum after vasectomy, numerous studies failed to show any immunological or other adverse effects upon general health. These antisperm antibodies are therefore only important to those men seeking a return of fertility, and even then the correlation is poor."

This information should be given to everyone before a vasectomy. I know when I had mine, no possible complications were discussed. The only problem I had was being very sore for several days afterward.

I do sympathize with anyone who develops any kind of chronic pain. I am not convinced that surgery is always the best solution, but sometimes it is inevitable as nothing else offers long term relief.

Speed

Speedvogel,

You are correct about risks of just about every activity that a human faces on any given day. This is not a blame game for me. I am just stating facts for those of that may care to know what has happened to me so far. I am just trying to get rid of the pain that I face day and night because of a simple procedure that was given in the early 90's and continues to be practiced daily now. My point is that when I had my procedure there was no mention of "side effects" like the ones that I live with daily. I am counting down the days and minutes until I may finally escape this pain. I will meet with the surgery center tomorrow morning at 9:00AM EST to talk to the Drs. about what I need to do in preparation for the surgery on the 27th. I do know that this procedure is final and there is no turning back. I also realize that this is not a 100% effective cure for my pain and suffering. To some of you out there the thought of someone cutting your "family jewels" off is just an unthinkable act and to others this is a lifelong sexual fantacy. For me this is just hope of getting to live my day to day life without feeling like someone is either crushing, pinching, thumping, burning, or kicking my nuts without my approval. These pains are sometimes nothing more than a constant dull ache. Then other times they come on suddenly without notice. These type of pains are excruciating and make me feel like I need to go puke like someone that has just been hit in the balls very hard by something. Again; I am not trying to blame anyone for my mistake for seeking a voluntary proceedure that for me went horribly wrong just to avoid other methods of birth control. Please pray for me that this will finally come to an end. If you guys and gals can do that for me I will be forever greatful to you. If nothing else just wish me luck.

Thanks,

flatbagger09

6 more days and counting.

Please remember to ask the doctor to cut high and remove as much of the cords as possible. *They contain the nerve bundles and less of that = greater chance of relief from pain. Also ask him to inject the cords with Nerve Blocks before doing the amputations. This from my Pain doctor who said this is what they are saying helps patients avoid problems with Phantom Pains.

Just want to tall you how much I ID with your comment about the horror show idea of having the family jewels cut off. It took me many months to get past that. For me getting implants put in that were "normal" sized made the whole thing much more positive. *My natal parts were atrophied and a mess.

I also understand that pain level that just about makes you want to barf. I hope your surgery goes as well as mine did because I feel pain free! Like pain = 0 now vrs 7 or 8. *Which varied wildly depending on? What I never knew.

Wear your jockstrap and chubs (longer then you think you need to) have a couple of bags of Frozen peas handy to ice down the area(s) have your laxative(s) ready to go (Pain meds block you up) and don't be a tough guy take your pain pills and sleep a lot for a while. *But DO move around in between times. That speeds recovery.

When you get rolling on HRT don't be afraid to scream if its not working right. It takes some juggling to get it all figured out.

GOOD LUCK!

flatbagger09,

I too could have wrote your message right down to the left side inguinal hernia. About the only difference is I am 51 and had the vasectomy in 1983. After suffering for many years, my body showed me a solution via the hernia, or at least I think that's what caused it. About three years ago my body started changing, without going into great details it was a hormone imbalance. I think this is when I developed the hernia and it was blocking flow to my left side. For the first time in years I was pain free. After the extremely painful hernia surgery, the pain returned and I felt my body changing back. After doing a lot of reading I, with my wife's consent, decided to try taking estrogen. Within two days the pain was gone and has stayed gone for 9 months now. Do I recommend this to anyone else? Hell NO! I was desperate enough to accept all the changes, which have been many. I tried to talk the surgeon into removing them and he looked at me like I was crazy. I am lucky enough to have a wife that loves me very much and supports our decision. Good luck to you and all the other vasectomy "victims" out there, it's a long, lonely and painful road.

To those who have replied thank you and I will keep you posted on my progress.

Well it has been 5 months now since my surgery and I delighted to tell you all that it worked. I am finally pain free. My scrotum is large because I had a very nice set of balls that used to live in there. I have started having issues with it sticking to my legs since the weather is hotter. Have others had issues with this? If so what did you do to solve the problem?

Besides being a very informative thread, congratulations to you flatbagger for finally being pain free. You put up with a lot so enjoy your life again! I have read other posts about guys with sticky scrotum syndrome, hopefully someone will pass on some info for you. My question is, do you plan on having implants?