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Chronic Testicular Pain following Vasectomy
Author(s) -
McMAHON A. J.,
BUCKLEY J.,
TAYLOR A.,
LLOYD S. N.,
DEANE R. F.,
KIRK D.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1992.tb15494.x
Subject(s) - vasectomy , medicine , scrotal pain , asymptomatic , incidence (geometry) , hydrocele , sexual intercourse , epididymitis , testicular pain , surgery , vasovasostomy , orchitis , chronic pain , gynecology , population , scrotum , family planning , physical therapy , physics , environmental health , optics , research methodology
Summary The incidence of chronic testicular pain following vasectomy has not been previously assessed. We have carried out a survey by postal questionnaire and telephone interview of 172 patients 4 years after vasectomy to assess the incidence of chronic testicular pain. Significant early post‐operative complications occurred in 6 patients (3.5%): 2 infection, 3 haematoma and 1 orchitis. Chronic testicular discomfort was present in 56 patients (33%), considered by 26 (15%) to be troublesome but not by the other 30 (17%). Testicular discomfort related to sexual intercourse occurred in 9 cases (5%). Of the 9 patients who had sought further medical help only 2 had had further surgery (1 an epididymectomy and 1 excision of a hydrocele). Only 3 patients regretted having had the vasectomy because of chronic pain. On ultrasound examination, epididymal cysts were a common finding on both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients following vasectomy. Prior to vasectomy, all patients should be counselled with regard to the risk of chronic testicular pain.