Post-Vasectomy Pain: Abdominal Discomfort During Intercourse

Abdominal discomfort during intercourse since the sterilization procedure?

I'm sorry, doctor, I remembered the time incorrectly; it was in December 2018 that I had a vasectomy (please refer to the bottom).
The incision on the right side healed well and the stitches fell out on their own, while the left side healed slowly.
When I returned for a follow-up, I showed the doctor the left incision, and he said that the inside had healed, but the stitches had not been absorbed and had not fallen out.
I lay on the operating table, and I couldn't see how the doctor handled it, but it felt like he was pulling and cutting.
It was very painful at the time, and I wasn't sure if it was a problem caused by the vasectomy, but this issue arose after the procedure; I didn't have this problem before.

I can feel a small, round, hard lump, about the size of a grain of rice, when I palpate a tube from my left testicle up to the area near the base of the penis (as shown in the image).
Since I am hesitant to press too hard, I can only feel that it is a hard mass.
When I touch or slightly squeeze it, I experience a slight feeling of fullness and discomfort in my abdomen, and during sexual intercourse, the feeling of fullness and discomfort becomes very pronounced.
This pain does not occur every moment during intercourse; I cannot determine exactly when it arises, but it may be due to contact with this hard mass.
In my daily life, I do not experience this pain; it almost exclusively occurs during sexual activity.

Could you please tell me what this hard mass is? Here is the image: https://imgur.com/ZXHjgeL
----------------------------------------------------------------
The area of the vasectomy may develop a hard lump due to the sutures and the surgical cauterization.
Most people will form a lump as you described, and a larger size may indicate that the inflammation at that time was more severe.
However, generally speaking, this is not a problem, and some people may see gradual improvement over time.
The fibrous tissue may take up to six months to resolve.
Additionally, some individuals may feel a sense of fullness during sexual intercourse after a vasectomy, but it is generally not described as painful.
Pain may indicate that localized inflammation has not completely resolved.
I recommend that you have a doctor examine it before considering medication.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Doctor, I understand what you mean by the hard lump at the vasectomy site; I have palpated it, but it is not at the vasectomy site.
Instead, it is inside, where I can feel a small, round, hard mass, about the size of a grain of rice, when I palpate a tube from my left testicle up to the area near the base of the penis (as shown in the image).
The red line represents the tube, and I can feel the hard lump as I palpate it upward.

Mr. Zhang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/26

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

The tube that can be felt is likely the vas deferens, which is the tube that has been cut during a vasectomy.
If there are real concerns, it is important to see a urologist for an examination and to discuss the issues in person.
Online resources can only provide basic information and suggestions and should not replace a medical consultation.

Reply Date: 2020/02/26

More Info

Post-vasectomy pain and discomfort can be a concerning issue for many men, especially when it manifests during sexual intercourse. Your description indicates that you have a hard, round lump located along the vas deferens, which is the duct that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra. This lump, along with the discomfort you experience during sexual activity, can be attributed to several factors related to the surgical procedure and the body's healing process.

Firstly, it is not uncommon for men to develop a palpable lump or hard area following a vasectomy. This can be due to a few reasons:
1. Fibrosis and Scar Tissue Formation: After any surgical procedure, including a vasectomy, the body undergoes a healing process that often involves the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue can sometimes feel firm or hard to the touch. The body may also react to the surgical trauma by creating fibrous tissue, which can lead to the formation of lumps. This process can take several months to resolve, and in some cases, it may take up to six months or longer for the tissue to soften and for any associated discomfort to diminish.

2. Inflammation: If the area around the vas deferens experiences inflammation, it can lead to localized swelling and tenderness. This inflammation can be a result of the surgical procedure itself, or it may occur if there is any irritation or trauma to the area during sexual activity. The discomfort you feel during intercourse may be related to this inflammation, especially if the lump is being compressed or manipulated during sexual activity.

3. Sperm Granuloma: In some cases, a sperm granuloma can form after a vasectomy. This is a small lump that occurs when sperm leaks from the cut end of the vas deferens into the surrounding tissue, causing an inflammatory reaction. These granulomas can be tender and may cause discomfort during sexual activity.

4. Nerve Sensitivity: The surgical procedure may have affected nearby nerves, leading to heightened sensitivity in the area. This can result in discomfort or pain during sexual activity, particularly if there is any pressure applied to the area where the hard lump is located.

Given your symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough examination. They may perform a physical examination to assess the lump and determine whether it is a benign post-surgical change, such as scar tissue or a sperm granuloma. In some cases, imaging studies like an ultrasound may be warranted to rule out any other underlying issues.

In the meantime, you might consider the following recommendations:
- Avoiding Pressure: During sexual activity, try to avoid positions that may put excessive pressure on the affected area. This may help reduce discomfort.

- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help alleviate discomfort. However, consult with your doctor before taking any medication.

- Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the lump or your symptoms. If you notice increased pain, swelling, or any signs of infection (such as redness or discharge), seek medical attention promptly.

In conclusion, while it is common to experience some discomfort and changes in the area following a vasectomy, persistent pain or the presence of a hard lump warrants further evaluation by a healthcare professional. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate management options tailored to your specific situation.

Similar Q&A

Post-Vasectomy Pain: Understanding Discomfort During Intimacy

I have been sterilized for six months and have confirmed a sperm count of zero. However, after the procedure, I often experience lower abdominal pain during masturbation and intercourse. Is this a post-vasectomy complication? I did not have any related symptoms before the vasecto...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It is likely neuropathic pain. You can consume foods or fruits rich in B vitamins. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing to prevent poor circulation. If the condition persists without improvement, you should see a doctor for an evaluation. Wishing you good health.

Post-Vasectomy Recovery: Understanding Pain and Discomfort

Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask a question. I had a minimally invasive laser vasectomy on May 6th. After the surgery, I experienced pain at the incision site for the first three days, along with a slight aching sensation on the right side (it's hard to describe, bu...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Discomfort at the surgical site is quite common after surgery. If there are no abnormalities with the testicles and the incision site after the ligation, the sensations you are experiencing may take some time to resolve. As for whether it will take 7 days or longer, it var...

Post-Vasectomy Pain: Understanding Testicular Discomfort and Causes

Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about my husband. He underwent a vasectomy on December 27th of last year, and he has been experiencing more pain in his right testicle. A month later, during intercourse, he mentioned that his testicle would feel uncomfortable. In recent days...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Since it has been 2 months, the likelihood of it being related to the surgery is low, but inflammation is a possibility. I recommend returning for a follow-up examination. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Post-Surgery Discomfort After Varicocele Repair: Causes and Solutions

I have no symptoms of varicocele, and I only discovered it during infertility checks after marriage. I underwent surgery for varicocele treatment in early 2010, but recently I have been experiencing a dull pain on both sides of my lower abdomen during sexual intercourse, which co...

Dr. Jiang Yini reply Urology
A scrotal ultrasound is required for diagnosis.