Vasectomy warning

FGII-XR6 · 10-08-2010, 11:27 AM

MODS feel free to move this if you feel it belongs elsewhere

If you are contemplating a vasectomy you need some information most surgeon won't give you. There is a condition called post vasectomy pain syndrome that occurs in about 10% of cases usually between 5 and 10 years after the procedure. Here is my personal experience with PVPS

About November last year I experienced moderate pain and swelling on the right side I initially thought I had knocked it and it would come good. by December there was no change and I became concerned about cancer so I saw my GP.

After ultrasounds. Blood tests , and a CT scan with contrast and seeing a urologist I was given the all clear for cancer which was a huge relief but the pain and swelling had become worse. the urologist was at a loss as to the cause.

I an currently doing a nursing degree so I decided to research my symptoms ( which I now started to suspect were related to the vasectomy I had 8 years ago) I came across a number of journal articles relating to PVPS. I also found a number of sites started by men suffering with this condition.

I ended up with the number of a semi retired professor of micro surgery (Earl Owen)who had researched PVPS and had extensive experience in this field. he was happy to discuss my condition on the phone and it was a real eye opener. Some of the point he raised were

1. PVPS is not only not mentioned by most surgeons performing vasectomies It is often dismissed as irrelevant or non existent if the subject is raised

2. PVPS is quite distinct from the pain that can occur immediately after the vasectomy

3. As PVPS generally occurs 5 to 10 years ( but up to 20 years in rare cases) it is often not accurately diagnosed as vasectomy related pain

4. The pain associated with PVPS can vary from mild pain / discomfort to severe chronic debilitating pain in the worst cases

5. pain can become so severe that the patient becomes unable to sit for any period of time and normal relations with the patients partner becomes impossible due to pain

I went back to the urologist with my research and he agreed that I had PVPS but was unable to do the reversal as he is not a micro surgeon I ended up finding a suitably qualified surgeon ( prepared to do this on the public list) after wearing out my phone

I am on the waiting list for a vasectomy reversal ( the most effective treatment ) it took over 100 phone calls to get this done in the public system as I have no health insurance and I don’t have a spare 6.5K lying around.

I an currently doing less than ½ my normal work hours ( I work till the pain get unbearable then go home ) my partner is getting upset as one aspect of out relationship is non existent ( the vasectomy was my ex wife’s idea not hers) she feels I don’t find her attractive and finds it hard to understand how much pain I am in and how this kills desire. The right side is now twice the size of the left side and when I get home from work all I can do is lie down and take the pressure off. The only bright light on the horizon is the news that I have been moved up the waiting list and should have my surgery around the end of September instead of next year

This is not meant to scare you out of having a vasectomy but to give you all the information before you go ahead. There are risks involved that you surgeon may not warn you about and if you are one of the unfortunate few you will suffer as I am now ( imagine being kicked in that region constantly )

I would be happy to share my experiences with others who have the same symptoms PM me and I will send you my email

burnz · 10-08-2010, 11:32 AM

thank for the heads up, 19 yrs no probs..

RedHotGT · 10-08-2010, 11:36 AM

I'm lookin into getting the procedure happening in the next 6 months...

I can get a referal, but I need to wait a little while - as I'm only 29yrs old....

Doctors don't like referring people when they're young... but it WILL be happening...

Sam_Boss260 · 10-08-2010, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the heads up. I've never heard of this condition, but it is good to know, as I am seriously contemplating this procedure very very soon.

I'd be keen to hear anyone else's experiences with vasectomies, either good or bad.

fairmont1998 · 10-08-2010, 05:29 PM

You're not wrong about no one telling you about PVPS. I did a lot of reading on the net before my vasectomy and read about it there, but the referring GP and surgeon didn't mention it at all.

04redxr8 · 10-08-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by au3xr6

MODS feel free to move this if you feel it belongs elsewhere

If you are contemplating a vasectomy you need some information most surgeon won't give you. There is a condition called post vasectomy pain syndrome that occurs in about 10% of cases usually between 5 and 10 years after the procedure. Here is my personal experience with PVPS

About November last year I experienced moderate pain and swelling on the right side I initially thought I had knocked it and it would come good. by December there was no change and I became concerned about cancer so I saw my GP.

After ultrasounds. Blood tests , and a CT scan with contrast and seeing a urologist I was given the all clear for cancer which was a huge relief but the pain and swelling had become worse. the urologist was at a loss as to the cause.

I an currently doing a nursing degree so I decided to research my symptoms ( which I now started to suspect were related to the vasectomy I had 8 years ago) I came across a number of journal articles relating to PVPS. I also found a number of sites started by men suffering with this condition.

I ended up with the number of a semi retired professor of micro surgery (Earl Owen)who had researched PVPS and had extensive experience in this field. he was happy to discuss my condition on the phone and it was a real eye opener. Some of the point he raised were

1. PVPS is not only not mentioned by most surgeons performing vasectomies It is often dismissed as irrelevant or non existent if the subject is raised

2. PVPS is quite distinct from the pain that can occur immediately after the vasectomy

3. As PVPS generally occurs 5 to 10 years ( but up to 20 years in rare cases) it is often not accurately diagnosed as vasectomy related pain

4. The pain associated with PVPS can vary from mild pain / discomfort to severe chronic debilitating pain in the worst cases

5. pain can become so severe that the patient becomes unable to sit for any period of time and normal relations with the patients partner becomes impossible due to pain

I went back to the urologist with my research and he agreed that I had PVPS but was unable to do the reversal as he is not a micro surgeon I ended up finding a suitably qualified surgeon ( prepared to do this on the public list) after wearing out my phone

I am on the waiting list for a vasectomy reversal ( the most effective treatment ) it took over 100 phone calls to get this done in the public system as I have no health insurance and I don’t have a spare 6.5K lying around.

I an currently doing less than ½ my normal work hours ( I work till the pain get unbearable then go home ) my partner is getting upset as one aspect of out relationship is non existent ( the vasectomy was my ex wife’s idea not hers) she feels I don’t find her attractive and finds it hard to understand how much pain I am in and how this kills desire. The right side is now twice the size of the left side and when I get home from work all I can do is lie down and take the pressure off. The only bright light on the horizon is the news that I have been moved up the waiting list and should have my surgery around the end of September instead of next year

This is not meant to scare you out of having a vasectomy but to give you all the information before you go ahead. There are risks involved that you surgeon may not warn you about and if you are one of the unfortunate few you will suffer as I am now ( imagine being kicked in that region constantly )

I would be happy to share my experiences with others who have the same symptoms PM me and I will send you my email

Well you did. But, thank you for the info. Truly helpful and something to really think about. Will the reversal actually stop the pain?

Good luck, and I hope it works for you.

As for your partner, I would take the same attitude with her during her special time. What period pain? I don't get it. Just kidding.

FGII-XR6 · 10-08-2010, 06:11 PM

yes a reversal Is the best treatment there are other treatments but not as effective or as permenant

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04redxr8

Well you did. But, thank you for the info. Truly helpful and something to really think about. Will the reversal actually stop the pain?

Good luck, and I hope it works for you.

As for your partner, I would take the same attitude with her during her special time. What period pain? I don't get it. Just kidding.

Jason[98.EL] · 10-08-2010, 06:43 PM

I am planing on having it done in the next year or so

thanks for the valuable info will look into it a bit better than what i prob would have

GK · 10-08-2010, 06:56 PM

Not ever planning to get the snip, but thanks for making this information known to us.

Hope your reversal goes well.

GK

AUIIPURSUIT · 10-08-2010, 07:39 PM

best of luck with your secondary op. hopefully fixes everything.. i will now not be getting a vasectomy... my nether regions hurt now just thinking of ur pain.

all the best.

brismike · 10-08-2010, 09:10 PM

Got mine done in 1986 after the missus popped out our 3rd child.

The op was over in 30 mins and I caught the bus home.

Tested it out the same night

.. never looked back since.

Jason[98.EL] · 10-08-2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brismike

Got mine done in 1986 after the missus popped out our 3rd child.

The op was over in 30 mins and I caught the bus home.

Tested it out the same night

.. never looked back since.

you must have had a gentle doctor

all the guys i know that have hadit done could barely move the night it was done but yes the tested it the next night

FGII-XR6 · 11-08-2010, 02:46 AM

thats the funny thing I had next to no pain after the op untill november last year about 8 years post op . glad your went well with no PVPS

Quote:

Originally Posted by brismike

Got mine done in 1986 after the missus popped out our 3rd child.

The op was over in 30 mins and I caught the bus home.

Tested it out the same night

.. never looked back since.

sarrge2001 · 11-08-2010, 10:24 AM

That's just nuts......

bingoTE50 · 11-08-2010, 10:34 AM

Have em out ,and put some steelies put in...

Nah ,seriously interesting info.I must say since I had mine about eight years ago I have been relatively tender on one side , apart from that it has be all right.
and for you guys who wonder what really is the difference , the analogy I use it is like comparing full cream milk to lite white....lol..

MYVYSS · 11-08-2010, 12:30 PM

Had mine done 2 weeks ago, under a general, all went well, hardly any pain and 2 days of discomfort....stitches are just about gone now...

StrokedXT · 11-08-2010, 12:45 PM

Why get a vasectomy anyway? Whats wrong with pulling out?

MYVYSS · 11-08-2010, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrokedXT

Why get a vasectomy anyway? Whats wrong with pulling out?

Um my 2 year old daughter is living proof that it doesnt always work....that's why although she loves her 11 year old brother....

T1 Terry · 11-08-2010, 04:18 PM

Had mine done over 20 yrs ago, under a general anaesthetic in a private hospital, even got to stay in overnight, if you've got private health cover why not use it. The surgeon was the best there is, Dr Balgi in the Illawarra area. The cut was so small it didn't even need stitches. He warned me about the symptoms you are referring too but said he only tied the tubes going to the *****, left the other ends open to feely discharge. He said this was the most common cause of later complications and failures in reversal procedures due to pressure blow outs. I must admit that I tried mine to see if it still worked within 20mins of getting home, less than 4 hrs after the op, that made them a little tender but I have had absolutely no problems with any related symptoms since. Also did a nice backfire on a cheating wife and saved me thousands.

T1 Terry

b2tf · 11-08-2010, 04:23 PM

2 things come to mind here.

1) Isnt swelling down there a good thing?

2) Nobody will EVER be going near me when my pants are down and they have a knife or scalpel in their hands.

rodderz · 11-08-2010, 04:32 PM

Just don't get that Irish circumcision doctor who slipped and got the sack

FGII-XR6 · 11-08-2010, 05:27 PM

the part that is swolen is not the part where size matters and it is only one of them swolen. Remember the last time you were kicked there well imagine that 24/7

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

2 things come to mind here.

1) Isnt swelling down there a good thing?

2) Nobody will EVER be going near me when my pants are down and they have a knife or scalpel in their hands.

GTP owner · 11-08-2010, 05:39 PM

you could get the missus to kiss them better!
Had mine done 5 years ago under local. Went to the gym on the way home, tested (should that be "testied") the equipment that night, and all been ok except another thing they don't tell you about, which is cysts. I have one about 15mm in diameter as a result of there being a lack of emptying.

GTP owner · 11-08-2010, 05:41 PM

Does anyone else find it funny that the topic of vasectomies is under "The Bar" section.
Maybe I am a bit infantile today, but it tickled my sense of humour

Rangas GTP · 11-08-2010, 05:50 PM

My mate had the snip after having 4 girls, gave up trying for the boy.
6 years on his missus rings him at work " Hunny Im pregnant ". I felt for him, the look on his face was total shock, his mind began playing games on him, Is she playing up?
Well tests at the doctors confirmed he was shooting again.
9 months on, another girl. Poor bastard. Hope this time the snip is 100%

rodderz · 11-08-2010, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTP owner

Does anyone else find it funny that the topic of vasectomies is under "The Bar" section.
Maybe I am a bit infantile today, but it tickled my sense of humour

Lucky it wasn't moved to the "Tools of the Trade" section!

**Charliewool** · 11-08-2010, 08:41 PM

Mine was my 40th birthday pressie, and one of the best pressies I've ever received.
The guy that did me was a "Mr", a heart and lung transplant professer (who did snips on the side for cash, and one of the very few that only made ONE incision (hence ONE stitch)
It was all over before he'd finished telling me about the new Jag he had on order.
In fact I was only missing from the Anglers bar for all up 90mins!
The discomfort was gone by my 4th pot, and though a "little tender" the next day, I was ready for action by that night.
What I'm trying to get across here is DO NOT be put off by one person's experience.
It's JUST a snip FFS!
I mean one in ten thousand dies from haemorrhaging getting a wisdom tooth out, but we still get the thing yanked if its aching?

Franco Cozzo · 11-08-2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MYVYSS

Um my 2 year old daughter is living proof that it doesnt always work....that's why although she loves her 11 year old brother....

pulled out too late?

FGII-XR6 · 11-08-2010, 10:19 PM

this is not one persons experience there are thousands of men world wide with this condition it is true most cases have no trouble but people need to know there are risks before they make a decision. most people are not aware of the risks because most doctors don't inform them. like I said in the first post this is not intended to scare you off but to keep you fully informed . I wouldn't wish what I am going through on Kyle Sandilands

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charliewool

Mine was my 40th birthday pressie, and one of the best pressies I've ever received.
The guy that did me was a "Mr", a heart and lung transplant professer (who did snips on the side for cash, and one of the very few that only made ONE incision (hence ONE stitch)
It was all over before he'd finished telling me about the new Jag he had on order.
In fact I was only missing from the Anglers bar for all up 90mins!
The discomfort was gone by my 4th pot, and though a "little tender" the next day, I was ready for action by that night.
What I'm trying to get across here is DO NOT be put off by one person's experience.
It's JUST a snip FFS!
I mean one in ten thousand dies from haemorrhaging getting a wisdom tooth out, but we still get the thing yanked if its aching?

Madaya · 12-08-2010, 02:16 AM

Darn, I had the snip several years ago. Have had trouble with cysts and etc. Not funny when your GP pops a seven ich syringe into your scrote to drain fluid. Climax is 'funny' too. It's like your tackle are just bench warmers, when really, your entire body is built around giving them a good run.
Gaz
Yeah, I feel jooped.