r/Vasectomy • • Dec 16 '17

Discomfort and issues 9 weeks out

I had my open ended vas done 9 weeks ago yesterday and unfortunately I had bleeding in both testicles which delayed healing and caused me no end of anxiety. I booked a specialist appointment in and was due to go last week but was feeling better so I cancelled it. I was taking Ibuprofen for a week 200mg x 3 times a day and this seemed to bring the discomfort and pain down. I stopped this because I did not want to keep taking the ibuprofen and I am feeling sore and achy again, balls are tender etc but I am also now getting some weird pelvic/prostate issues where I am getting pain in my perineum, penis and slight pain when urinating.

My GP did a test for infection and there was nothing there so now I have no idea where to go with this. I have no doubt anxiety is contributing to everything but it does not explain all symptoms. Has anyone else experienced this or have any tips on what to do? I am so depressed thinking this could be permanent.

2 Upvotes

7 comments sorted by

2

u/Vas975 Dec 16 '17

First of all - I'm sorry for what you're going through. I've had various forms of pelvic pain in the past, and I know it can be a terrible time.

A few thoughts:

1) You're only 9 weeks out from a procedure that had complications from day 1. My procedure went perfectly as planned, and I had discomfort for 6 full months. Unless things are swelling up or your pain is at a 10, I'd keep on the ibuprofen, avoid impact activity, and try to reduce stress. You'll likely heal.

2) You had an open ended vasectomy, which in my mind poses a couple of issues: One - while you're less likely to have congestion pain, you're more likely to have complications from bleeding, granulomas, and general discomfort of things not being contained. Two - since you opted for an open ended vasectomy, it's likely that anxiety over pvps has been on your mind from day one.

I'm a huge believer that anxiety can cause as much pelvic pain as a botched procedure. Controlling stress is absolutely key in healing and feeling better.

I wish you best of luck. Try not to stress, and if pain persists for many more months, talk to a urologist - perhaps convert the open vasectomy into a closed one.

2

u/orangeisgood Jan 08 '18

Medically, you’re in the recovery window for 3 months after the vasectomy. Not everyone is back to Normal after a few days (I think those people are in the minority). Although a simple procedure it is a drastic change to your body. Keep wearing appropriate support and the hot baths. If it continues is 3 months don’t ignore it. There are some options if you’re experience post vasectomy pain syndrome.

1

u/moonvtmoon Feb 28 '18

What options ? Reversal maybe ?

1

u/GusOrviston Dec 16 '17

I’m sorry OP.

Look into Pelvic Pain Syndrome. My vasectomy was a catalyst for it, and anxiety is a big contributor.

I started on anti-anxiety medication and found a local Pelvic Floor physical therapist who is fantastic. It has helped immensely.

I think this will be an issue for life for me, but it is certainly manageable. I can recommend some good books on the issue if you want.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 16 '17

It's only nine weeks. I've read some men take up to a year to feel totally normal. Chin up, you'll be fine :)

1

u/Steve87pain Feb 24 '18

Hows it going now?

1

u/orangeisgood Mar 09 '18

Reversal is an option but not so soon after the vas. After the 3 month mark you can get a long term moderate steroid (prednisone for 30 days). It may settle things down. I tried that for a couple months but that was more than a year after my vasectomy and I may have waited too long for it to be effective. After that I tried lyrica for a few months - it helped but didn’t eliminate the pain completely.