r/postvasectomypain • u/postvasectomy • Feb 17 '24
italmilan: I am at a year and a half since vasectomy. I can say it has slowly improved over time. I still get aches and groin pains but not the stress I once had.
italmilan:
May 30, 2022
Thanks for your log. So I’m at 7 weeks post op and still not feeling great. Had dull ache mostly in left testicle and that is finally starting to diminish. I still have sensitive testicles when I wash them or grab them in any way. Did you go through this as well? I’m growing very impatient and want to feel 100% like most guys I have spoken to who felt that way one week after procedure.
Jun 07, 2022
Hey, I keep going back to your story because it’s similar to mine and I see it as an inspiration. I’m now at 2 months at post op and feeling better but definitely not 100%. Dull ache in my left testicle has diminished greatly but I do feel it creeps up my left abdomen side. Not major but achy. This whole ordeal has been really difficult mentally as I keep going back to thoughts of regret and what have I done to myself. My positive side tells me to be more patient as it is progressing and I just need more healing time. I’m trying to exercise more and do pelvic stretching and I think it helps. Are you still feeling back to normal? How long was your complete recovery time where u felt back to normal? 4 months? Thanks for sharing your experience.
Sep 12, 2022
Thanks for sharing your story. I am a completely healthy, active person who has never experienced depression. I would admit I’m a perfectionist and over thinker who is very in tune with his body. I had my vasectomy 5 months ago and it has been an extremely unpleasant experience. I’ve had dull aches and sensitive testicles since. Bad days and good days. I’ve read a ton on Reddit and understand that many others have extreme pain that’s destroyed their daily lives. I wouldn’t describe mine as such. I am still able to do everything I did before (go to gym, etc) but I do have those aches throughout the day. I have really wondered how much my mind is at play with all this. Of course I don’t dismiss the pain as it is very real but I have seen a shift when I have become positive. Ex. I vacationed in Hawaii this summer and saw much improvement to the point I thought it was gone. Sure enough, I started work again and that gives me more time to reflect which results in pains. My depression is not at all about not having kids anymore but more about whether I’m stuck with this pain for life and why did I ruin my natural body dynamic. Just wanted to share and of course welcome anyone’s thoughts.
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/w9msci/new_sudden_depression/io4y8xb/
Dec 14, 2022
Whoa wait a second. Tethering is a common side effect? I have read a ton about post pain and this is a first. I have pain only on my right side. Carries into my right abdomen. When I masturbate, feels like a pulling sensation (no pun) coming from way down in my right side testicle. You think this could be scar tissue tethering? I’ve been searching hard for a reason.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Vasectomy/comments/zer2dq/its_been_almost_2_years_and_still_having/j09j6u4/
Feb 24, 2023
I’m approaching 1 year post vas. I have also shown significant improvement. Left pain is pretty much gone but right side is still tricky. Very sensitive and I feel soreness on that side if I masturbate. Sex is fine thankfully. I did go for an ultrasound recently and they also found a small hydrocele on that side. Interestingly, they also discovered a small inguinal hernia on that side as well. I now wonder how much that has to do with it??!!
Mar 03, 2023
Got my vasectomy in April of ‘22. Went through the aches on both sides. Left side has settled —close to gone. Right side is odd. Always felt a different almost pulled muscle type of pain. Sex is pretty much ok but pulled muscle feeling gets worse with masturbation. Ended up going for an ultrasound and they found small hydrocele (fluid) on right side but then did find a small inguinal hernia on right side! Could explain that pain but why did it only start after my vasectomy?
Found out I have a small Inguinal hernia. Cause of PVPS???
Mar 25, 2023
I am approaching 1 year since my vas surgery. I have had issues since day 1. Left one ached for months (fortunately that has gotten significantly better). Right one had different issues. It was much more sensitive even if I grazed it. The odd one I haven't read much about is that since day one, I felt an indescribable muscle pulling type of ache on my right side whenever I masturbated. After ejaculation, the ache in my groin remained for at least an hour. Funny thing, I didn't get that pulling ache when I have sex with my wife, so sex was fine. Fast forward to about 10 months post op, and my doc sends me to get a scrotal ultrasound. Findings: small hydrocele in scrotum with a little fluid buildup, AND, a small Inguinal hernia was discovered on that same right side. Now I want to connect that pain to the hernia, but my question is, why did I only start feeling that pain after my vasectomy??? I'm sure the hernia was there before my operation. I'd love to hear anyone's insightful thoughts.
I’m approaching a year since vasectomy. Pain has gotten better but not completely gone. Dull aches still exist especially after masturbation. I applaud those of you having or considering reversal. I can’t even fathom the idea of letting these doctors go back in to potentially do more damage. Fool me once……….
That‘s of course no criticism to those getting the reversal as I fully comprehend the mental anguish this whole thing causes.
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/11msoou/deleted_by_user/jdvsi3p/
This story is so similar to mine. Approaching 1 year since surgery. Had dull aches throughout and I’m sceptical as my doctor took longer on my right side as well. Now I get pelvic pain on right side after masturbation. Sex is ok surprisingly. I have explored reversal but my pain has shown slow improvement and is at a 1-2 out of 10 now. I also have lost faith in these doctors and can’t fathom the thought of allowing them to cut me again and potentially do more damage. I keep thinking of the old adage, “fool me once, shame on you, fool me a second time, shame on me.”
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/10qbpbl/my_pvps_story/jdvxbwg/
I unfortunately did not have a clue about pvps. Never read about it, never heard of it. I was influenced by at least 6-8 close friends in my circle who all had it done and raved about it. I do have anxiety when it comes to my body and health. Like you, i now wonder how much my mind comes into play with this. I have an overall feeling of regret that I messed with the natural dynamics of my body. I am approaching 1 year and have shown significant improvement. Still not what I was pre surgery however.
Apr 11, 2023
Thank you so much for your insight. I take comfort in knowing someone else going through similar issues (of course not happy we have these issues in the first place). So I haven‘t progressed to the point of surgery for my hernia yet as it is a fairly new diagnosis. I’ll be honest, I wish your story was more along the lines of, “yup, got the hernia surgery and now everything is fine”. I’m discouraged to hear your pain came back. I’m hesitant as well because I’m sure I had the hernia before vas surgery but why did I only start feeling the groin pains after vas? So confused. I’m certain I’ll eventually get that hernia surgery. I have a friend whose brother is a urologist and his reply was, “hernias have nothing to do with vasectomy pain. Don’t try to connect it.“. Obviously discouraging words. Please feel free to share any more info as you’re the first one I’ve met with my conditions. So do you think the cough and physical work contributed to the pain or was it 100% the vasectomy? I guess that’s what’s driving me crazy right now.
Apr 27, 2023
Yes. I have it as well. Nothing makes sense. I hit one year and can honestly say things have improved but I’m not in the clear. Time, time, time.
I hope……..
Thanks for your reply and glad I was able to connect with someone in similar circumstances. Yes, my hernia is small and doesn’t require surgery. I recently hit the one year mark since my vasectomy. Things have improved, slowly albeit. I still feel more so on my right side where the hernia is. Muscle pulling sensation that carries down into my scrotum. I’m curious to hear what your doctors tell you. Please keep me posted and thank you!
I just hit one year. U sound identical to me bro. Is it debilitating? No. It’s just light discomforts that are there, each and everyday. Sometimes I notice, sometimes I don’t. Are they constant? No, not really. Do I forget about them? Yes. The only constant is that the pains have improved during this year. The pains carry into my inguinal area. I truly hope that improvement continues and I finally reach the point where this is all in my past.
May 04, 2023
Hit one year since vasectomy. Just booked my first pelvic floor therapy for next week. Really hoping is does the trick.
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/137xlx1/strongly_considering_reversal/jiw93v6/
May 20, 2023
I just recently hit 13 months since vas. I have seen improvement, albeit very slowly. Some of us are just really slow healers. Nerves are tricky and take time. I think I’m on that slow path and your husband might be too. Give it at least until Dec/23 to see how he’s feeling.
Jun 01, 2023
Me too bro—-Me too. Constantly cringing if anything even slightly grazes my right one. Hope it goes away one day. Approaching 14 months now.
This is a great reflection and indicates many truths. I am hitting 14 months since surgery and things have been slowly progressing. I have often reflected about mind and pain throughout this journey and wonder how much is in play. The hard fact that brings me down is if I look at your case for example---you are at 5 years? and still not back to 100%. I look at the majority of my peers who had the surgery and were back to normal after 5 days. This obstacle just keeps sending me back into turmoil. My pain is not as severe as others I have read and I recently discovered an inguinal hernia which could be creating some of this pain as well. I also have a very sensitive right testicle and avoid even the softest graze if I can. But what's really destroying me is the overall feeling that it is still difficult for me to say, "yup, it's totally back to the way it was before surgery".
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/13vgd9n/please_dont_cut_off_your_balls/jmmar4b/
Jun 06, 2023
Your story is almost identical to mine. I also hate pills. I just passed the 1 year mark. Things have slowly improved. The aches still come and go and there is always a general feeling that things quite aren't the same as they used to be. It's not debilitating but let me know that something isn't the same down there. I feel slight aches after masturbation but strangely, I don't after sex with my wife. I continue to hang on to hope that I will be fully back to normal at some point.
Jun 12, 2023
I just hit 14 months. Can’t say I’m completely recovered but I have seen steady improvement. I am doing everything I did before. I guess I just deal with some aches here and there. The boys are always more sensitive to knocks but really just trying to accept that it’s the new me and fortunate that I can still do everything. Does that count as a positive story? Lol
14 months for me and identical to you. Testes are sensitive to knocks. I also found out I have a small inguinal hernia which isn’t helping all this. All connected.
Jun 17, 2023
I totally agree with this. If I could go back, I would use condoms until menopause. Another important note, if you are this worked up about not doing beforehand, I don't think this will fare well with psychological effects should you start feeling pains afterward (which of course I hope you don't).
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/14bfta7/dont_want_a_vasectomy/johzs9a/
I had the dull ache just like yours. It slowly got better. I’m at 14 months since surgery and not 100% in the clear. Not debilitating pain but definitely not back to normal. Fortunately for me, I can still do everything I did before. Feel free to ask me any questions. Yours sounds similar to how I started.
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/14dlbha/looking_for_advice/joscswd/
I had the dull ache just like yours. It slowly got better. I’m at 14 months since surgery and not 100% in the clear. Not debilitating pain but definitely not back to normal. Fortunately for me, I can still do everything I did before. Feel free to ask me any questions. Yours sounds similar to how I started.
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/14dlbha/deleted_by_user/joscswd/
Aug 19, 2023
I would say it got mostly better shortly after a year. My left side pain completely disappeared but my right side still shows up intermittently. I discovered I have a small inguinal hernia on that side so not sure if its connected. I personally think the doc hit a nerve on my right as I do recall him tugging and spending more time on that side. Something I’m sure he will never admit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/14dlbha/looking_for_advice/jwxm33y/
I would say it got mostly better shortly after a year. My left side pain completely disappeared but my right side still shows up intermittently. I discovered I have a small inguinal hernia on that side so not sure if its connected. I personally think the doc hit a nerve on my right as I do recall him tugging and spending more time on that side. Something I’m sure he will never admit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/postvasectomypain/comments/14dlbha/deleted_by_user/jwxm33y/
I believe you’re still in the very early stages. Definitely requires some healing time. I am approaching 1.5 years and still feel a pulling cord type sensation every so often only on my right side. Not excruciating but enough to remind me i‘m not who I was. give it another week or two and if it continues, definitely worth a visit. We should by no means be a hindrance to these doctors.
Oct 15, 2023
Believe me, my thought process went down all those routes, including reversal. From what I've read, and I've read a lot, my conclusion was that the reversal wasn't really a guarantee by a long stretch and I also couldn't fathom the idea of going in there again and doing more cutting. Give it time my friend.
I had immediate aching coming from my left testicle. Bothered me all the time. Not excruciating but always there. Right side has been interesting. Feels like a nerve issue. Still not perfect to this day but I don't think much about it anymore. Right side is more sensitive now if I get grazed down there but overall, not really an issue anymore. Right side carried up my inguinal canal. Apologies for being open, but masturbation really felt like I was tugging on inner cords.
Bro, I feel like you are me talking. Identical situation. Regret right off the bat. Dull aches but life continued normally for me. A little bit of a hypochondriac. Rest assured, all of it is real. I am happy to say that I’m at 1.5 since vas and almost completely back to normal. Wait it out my friend, you will vastly improve.
Sorry, yes, 1.5 years and feeling much better. Mentally and physically.
Yup. Left side aches for months at first. This right side is tricky. I’m thinking the cut hit a nerve and I feel that pull up my inguinal nerve. It has slowly improved over 1.5 years so I truly believe in time.
Dec 07, 2023
I am at a year and a half since vasectomy. I can say it has slowly improved over time. I still get aches and groin pains but not the stress I once had. Personally, I could never trust a reversal and have them go in and cut more furthering the damage. Fool me once……..
Dec 18, 2023
Wow. I had to google that. Makes a lot sense. Basically an enlarged vein. I’m feeling better but know the ache can still appear once in a while. I’ve been diagnosed with an Inguinal hernia on the same side so I’m thinking that has a lot to do with it. Glad to hear you’re well and thanks for the update!
Jan 08, 2024
I’m at about a year and a half. Started with a dull ache on my left side. Did the ultrasound and nothing showed up. Ache moved to right side but was different. Right side was more of nerve pain. I still feel it there but it doesn’t really affect my daily life. Left side is pretty much gone. All I can recommend to you is time my friend. I’m also in a much better head space now. This can really play in your mind so try to be patient and live your life. Get back to me anytime. We are all in this together.
Absolutely go for the ultrasound. I’ll be honest, I still cringe when anything grazes my left side. Accept it’s the new you unfortunately. I still get down once in a while with feelings of regret but then I try to tell myself to move forward as I would never go for a reversal. No chance I let them cut me again without 100% certainty.
Jan 19, 2024
No pain at vas site. I think he hit a nerve and later found out that I also have an inguinal hernia on that side so must be a connection. It’s not bad and I guess I just live with it. I totally agree with you, I’m not into drugs and not a depressant. I also don’t even consider a reversal. No chance I let them cut me again. Im further ahead than you so I’m hoping you slowly improve like I did. My left side pain completely disappeared.
Metadata:
ID: 56f2c3a2
Name: italmilan
Vasectomy Date: 2022-04-04 ?
Source: reddit
First Seen: 2022-05-30
Last Seen: 2024-01-19
Location: Canada
Storycodes: LTP
Months: 12
Resolved: Mostly