ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome

What is post-vasectomy pain syndrome?

21 November 2025

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is a condition where some men who have had a vasectomy for birth control experience chronic pain in one or both testicles. This pain can last for more than three months after the procedure and often interferes with daily activities.

The exact cause of post-vasectomy pain syndrome is unknown, but it’s believed to be related to:

  • Sperm granulomas.
  • Infections.
  • Fibrosis (scar tissue).
  • Pinched nerves.
  • Referred pain from the back.

Symptoms of PVPS

  • Aching or painful sensation in the scrotum.
  • Scrotal hypersensitivity.
  • Discomfort and tenderness in the genital area.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Pain in one or both testicles.
  • Pressure or pain upon ejaculation.
  • Inflammation of the epididymis, which stores sperm.

Diagnosis and Treatment of PVPS

After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for tenderness and swelling in the testicles and for any scar tissue at the vasectomy site. If necessary, they will order tests to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis, including:

  • STI (sexually transmitted infection) tests.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Blood and urine tests.
  • MRI.

Treatment for post-vasectomy pain syndrome is primarily focused on personalized pain management but typically includes:

  • Painkillers.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Nerve block injections.
  • Cold or hot compresses.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Compression underwear or a jockstrap.

In more extreme cases, more advanced treatments may be required, such as:

  • Surgery.
  • Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord.
  • Epididymectomy (removal of the epididymis).
  • Vasovasostomy or vasectomy reversal.
  • Orchiectomy (testicle removal).

At the ABC Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine, we offer high-quality, safe medical care, from prevention and diagnosis to timely treatment and follow-up for infectious, respiratory, endocrine, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions. We address both chronic-degenerative and acute conditions through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach.

Related centers and departments Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome

Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • urologyhealth.org
  • hmong.es
  • nih.gov
  • tmcaz.com
  • topdoctors.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • clevelandclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Baralis AP, Corella SA, Ye NLYM. Anticoncepción masculina. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2021;6(03):1-14.
  • Uribe-Arcila JF, Delgado-Montoya A, Gaviria-Gil F. Etiología del dolor testicular 2019: Clasificación en diez subgrupos lógicos. Rev Mex Urol. 2020;80(4):1-19.

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    Ricardo Ostos

    Ricardo Ostos

    Content Creator

    Ricardo can convey complex medical information in an accessible and friendly way so that all of our patients can understand and benefit from it. In addition, he has an empathetic approach, offering information and practical advice that really makes a difference in people's lives. #lifebringsustogether.

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