Pain Post Vasectomy
Question
I am a male of 34 years of age. I had a vasectomy over a month ago under general anesthetic. Just lately I ahve been getting a dull ache in my left testicle, and lower left hand side of my stomach. I have noticed that there is a small lump on the left side of the testical, which still is sore and sensitive to touch. This small lump if I catch it whilst playing with my children, then the pain starts from here. Will this pain persist or do you think I should take professional advice from my G.P.Many thanks.
Jamie
Answer
Last Updated: December 2, 2014
Jamie,
During vasectomy the vas is occluded by cautery, a clip, or a suture or a multiple of these. In spite of even good technique sperm may leak out of the end of the vas. Because the chromosomal structure of sperm is dramatically different from the rest of the body (sperm have only half of the complement of chromosomes—23) the body perceives the sperm as a nasty invader and hastily “walls off” the contaminated area with a vigorous inflammatory reaction. This results in a lump that can be felt adjacent to the end of the vas called a “sperm granuloma”. It is tender, but the tenderness may be alleviated with anti-inflammatories and soaking in a warm tub. Usually the tenderness resolves completely in time.
Dr. Gregory Polito
During vasectomy the vas is occluded by cautery, a clip, or a suture or a multiple of these. In spite of even good technique sperm may leak out of the end of the vas. Because the chromosomal structure of sperm is dramatically different from the rest of the body (sperm have only half of the complement of chromosomes—23) the body perceives the sperm as a nasty invader and hastily “walls off” the contaminated area with a vigorous inflammatory reaction. This results in a lump that can be felt adjacent to the end of the vas called a “sperm granuloma”. It is tender, but the tenderness may be alleviated with anti-inflammatories and soaking in a warm tub. Usually the tenderness resolves completely in time.
Dr. Gregory Polito
Answered By:
Gregory Polito, MD
Gregory Polito,MD, KM, Past President of CANFP, retired from a urologic practice, with a sub-specialty in vasectomy reversal
