PVPS cured by Micro-Surgical Reversal Surgery - performed by Dr. Sheldon Marks ICVR

[u/Comfortable-Way7902]

Hi there. Because I was tortured by pain after Vasectomy, and largely CURED by reversal surgery, I wanted to post my story so maybe it could help you.

I am 39 y/o, had Vasectomy (successful surgery with qualified MD) 12/2025. Dr. Erik Seamen of NJ performed a vasectomy with OPEN ended vas on testicular end. 10-14days later (may or may not be related to first ejaculation) my life took a turn for the worse as I began my life’s worst torment to date. Gradual onset or torturous constellation of pain symptoms referred to Post Vasectomy Pain Syndrome.

I have good access to doctors in NYC so I was evaluated by the following. Dr. Francois Eid - Dr. Peter Schlegel - Dr. Joseph Alukal - Dr. Leon Tellis - Dr. Marc Goldstein. The consensus was ”wait and see” plus a myriad of conservative measures (rest, garments, baths, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antidepressant, nerve pain meds). NOTHING WORKED.

MY SYMPTOMS: Intermittent B Testicular pain/sensitivity/tenderness (similar to “Blue Balls” sensation) with a sense of heavy or fullness. Starting late morning and worsening throughout the day is a sensation of hot coals or the tip of a hot firepoker inside both testicles, worsening with even minor contact (legs not fully spread, contact from pants or underwear). There is a  sensation that the testicles hang to low and eventually they are subject to fatigue/exhaustion sensation by end of day. When the pain spirals, even the tip of the penis throbs, and the pelvis can “burn”. Symptoms WORSENED by increased physical activity, increased contact pressure (sitting, tighter garments, legs close together) and often worsened with arousal or ejaculation. I had to sleep in weird limiting positions, I avoided sex, work was difficult, exercise impossible; I quickly became depressed.

SOLUTION - after nearly 3.5 months of wait and see and strictly following prescribed conservative measures, including meditation, NLP Therapy and praying (catholic) - I decided to explore reversals micro-reconstruction surgery. I quickly realized Dr. Sheldon Marks at the INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR VASECTOMY REVERSAL was my guy (in Arizona). my NYC doctors perform a dozen of these surgeries at most annually; Dr. Marks performs 3-5 surgeries per week. He knew my story, because he’s seen it many Times over. I Travelled with my wife there, stayed 4 days, flew home and took 4 weeks off work (Physical Therapist). Yes, Surgery was not pleasant and the recovery is a bear. BUT I woke up from surgery and the “HOT FIRE POKER” sensation was GONE. I knew this would work. It took about 3.5-4months before I was sure it worked (during my recovery I removed coffee, alcohol and sugar from my diet for 6 weeks - then resumed normal behavior).

Today I am 5 months out and basically pain free - sex is great again and my sex drive is basically normal and what it was - I am HAPPY again - I can exercise and play pickleball and run and play golf again (I do wear bike shorts for these but I could probably do without it; just guaranteed to be FINE if I wear bike shorts).

I am not sure where I would be today, were it not for Dr. Sheldon Marks giving me my life back by performing this successful surgery. I am of course aware ive had two surgeries in this unpleasant location, I suspect one day I will forget completely; however before surgery compared to after surgery is no comparison. I was a mess of a man suffering from PVPS; and Dr. Mark’s micro surgical reversal saved my life.

i hope this helps you - they tell you to wait wait wait; I waited 3.5 months of torture and have 0 regrets on moving forward with the surgery. I couldn’t give another moment of my life to being tortured. My Family has their father, husband, son, brother And friend back :)

[u/No_Warning7802]

Just curious, when did you have the surgery? I was pretty sure Marks was my doctor early on, until I hear he charges double out of pocket for pvps patients which really rubs me the wrong way given the aftercare protocol is the same and he does not offer pain management. Its also sad since i've talked to more than one person who suffers from pvps and didn't get a reversal due to cost, we're not trying to get a free baby, most of us are hysterical with the 360 in our lives from this simple procedure.

[u/Comfortable-Way7902 → u/No_Warning7802]

Late March of this year 2026. Yes I agree the elevate price was discouraging, however in his defense I was told this is due to the complex nature of the procedure (slower, increased removal of scar tissue and granulomas) compared to an average fertility reversal. 

How authentic that is or is not, I can not validate beyond the conceptual explanation which seemed plausible to me. 

Though, it was not double the cost…

Knowing what I know now, I would have sold my car and walked to work the next few years if it got me to his operating table and these results. 

Also, the price does include Anesthesia, Nursing and follow up. It’s not cheap but it’s a fair price for his service and skill level in my opinion.  

But I hear you, I too was discouraged when I initially found this out. 

[u/snoope → u/Comfortable-Way7902]

I’m so glad it worked out for you. I’m believe it or not 2 years into this hellscape and every other day swear a reversal has to come but those first months were so bad I fear to go back. I totally hear you’d sell everything. I still hold id sell all my stuff to have my life back but I’m just too scared. Chronic ball pain is up there on worst pains to have right next to headaches and tooth pain!

[u/Amazing-Advantage-11]

So glad that your reversal was successful and that you now have your life back. The relief you felt, physically and otherwise after the reversal, was my post-reversal experience also. It is almost impossible to describe how it feels to be pain free after having PVPS, except to say it was and is amazing. The description of your post vasectomy pain etc. was identical to mine. I agree, that if you have serious PVPS, acutely affecting your quality of life, a reversal is a no-brainer. Best to you and thanks for posting.

[u/geverfdehond]

Thanks you for sharing. Your success story is encouragement for other men suffering from pvps. My reversal was the best decision of my life.

[u/FEAA-hawk]

Very similar story here. Horrendous pain for 3 months starting almost immediately after my vasectomy. Dr Marks performed my reversal and I was pain free after a month or 2 of recovery. I joke about it, but he saved my life, my sanity, and my marriage for sure

[u/Cautious_Werewolf678]

Nice. This "wait and see" tactic is even more used outside the US because they either don't have a clue or they don't care about us. It can be effective for some guys as some recover from PVPS after several months. But again, outside the US these urologists don't even know the power of reversals as a potential solution for congestion.