Post Vasectomy Pain

What Is It

There are a number of theories that might explain this significant pain and sensation of pressure. The most common focuses on the location of the vas segment that is removed. It is thought is that the vasectomy, when ideally performed high up in the scrotum, leaves a long segment of vas (on the testicular side) which serves to allow the pressure to be spread out over a long vas to keep the pressure in the testicle and epididymis low. When the vasectomy is performed low, near the testicle, only a small portion of the vas remains attached to the epididymis, and so the pressure may build up and go backwards into the very delicate and sensitive epididymis and testicle. This increased built-up pressure causes swelling of the delicate outer lining of the epididymis and is felt as severe pain.

Some focus concern on the technique used do perform the vasectomy. Tying and cauterizing the cut ends can allow fluid to escape if the pressure were to build up to high levels, allowing the system to decompress. Some doctors use metal clips, which block the vas. Even under a high pressure, they remain intact and so the pressure builds up and is transmitted backwards into the system, causing pain.

With this being said, there are many men with a high vasectomy that still have pain, and others with a very low vasectomy with absolutely no discomfort at all. There are some who have severe pain after ties or cautery, and most who have clips have no pain whatsoever.