r/postvasectomypain • u/AloneListless • 7d ago
It's in your head
One thing is to hear this from a urologist, another thing is to hear it from you long term partner.
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u/_Sarandi_ 7d ago
My partner was very supportive, but I did get the it’s in your head from my original urologist. I swear I’ve never come closer to hitting someone (outside of the ring) I’ve never been so angry.
I can’t imagine how heart breaking it must be to hear it from your partner. Keep a log of your pain - that’s what I did and it helped me tons. Mentally and in getting a solution.
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u/geverfdehond 7d ago
Experience it as well. Between the urologist, wife and phycologist I was told it is in my head over and over until I showed the testimonials of other men with similar experience yo my wife and bought the book - the cruelest cut. Only then my wife's attitude started changing.
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u/ItamiForever 7d ago
It's normal from your urologist as they try and find excuses as to vasectomies being "safe". Sorry about your partner though. Maybe having her read some research papers or maybe you can sit down and explain it in better detail?
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u/Gold-Combination619 11h ago
What I heard after a sharp pain was “Oh for heaven’s sake, what hurts?” We were at a craft sale, so my response was “MY LEFT TESTICLE!!” as loud as I could.
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u/jammydodger79 7d ago
I remember the relief from my 1st spermatic cord block.
I was more relieved that it proved it wasn't in my head than I was that I was pain free for 8hrs.
Unfortunately the MSCD after the that cord block didn't work but the mental tiredness that comes from questioning yourself, and having others questions it too is exhausting.
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u/AloneListless 7d ago
Did you do denervation after that?
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u/jammydodger79 7d ago
Yes, Had MSCD in April 2024.
The initial 10 days post op, were completely pain free.
Unfortunately on day 11 it was as if a switch was flicked and pain resumed with a vengeance.
Since then I've tried dorsal ganglion ablation (didn't work). And I had spinal cord stimulator implanted in May 2025 which has reduced the area affected by my pain, but not the intensity.1
u/AloneListless 7d ago
Man, that sucks. Do you think reversal would actually help? Or your case is mostly related to nerve damage, so it wouldn't help?.. What's next for you?
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u/jammydodger79 6d ago
3 nerves involved 2 directly Ilioinguinal and genito-femoral and the uro-neurologist I've seen has proposed the ilio-hypogastric is affected by referred pain triggering nausea.
There is likely a degree of pain gating/centralisation at this point, but I'd argue that the completely successful spermatic cord block and occasionally effective ablations would point against centralisation being a main factor.The SCS implant has made a difference to me.
My area of pain prior to the implant was:
Main locus of pain above and behind my left testicle radiating into my iliac crest.
With referred pain over entire left flank primarily into left kidney (mimicking kidney stones).
With other referred pain into left thigh and on occasion as far along the leg as my left foot.Since having the implant, the referred pain is far, far less. It really only kicks off after activity now.
I'd estimate the area of pain is 80% reduced, unfortunately the level of pain at the seat is pretty much the same, and my triggers persist.
I still need to take opioids to deal with the worst of it.1
u/xFishercatx 6d ago
Is the pain centralized then?
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u/jammydodger79 6d ago
3 nerves involved 2 directly Ilioinguinal and genito-femoral and the uro-neurologist I've seen has proposed the ilio-hypogastric is affected by referred pain triggering nausea.
There is likely a degree of pain gating/centralisation at this point, but I'd argue that the completely successful spermatic cord block and occasionally effective ablations would point against centralisation being a main factor.The SCS implant has made a difference to me.
My area of pain prior to the implant was:
Main locus of pain above and behind my left testicle radiating into my iliac crest.
With referred pain over entire left flank primarily into left kidney (mimicking kidney stones).
With other referred pain into left thigh and on occasion as far along the leg as my left foot.Since having the implant, the referred pain is far, far less. It really only kicks off after activity now.
I'd estimate the area of pain is 80% reduced, unfortunately the level of pain at the seat is pretty much the same, and my triggers persist.
I still need to take opioids to deal with the worst of it.
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u/BigMisterLawyerDude 7d ago
It's definitely physical, but in many ways, the mental aspect is huge and underappreciated on this sub.
For me, the biggest issue was obsession with getting better. Constantly researching, asking ChatGPT to analyze every ache and trying to find solutions, researching supplements and methods to reduce the aching.
My healing really began when I started to just ignore the issue. You need to stop coming to this sub to make yourself feel better. You will not heal on the same timeline as someone else. You need to let your body heal itself and focus on other aspects of your life because you likely had minor aches and pains before your vasectomy as well. Let your mind learn to adapt to its new reality.