It has been 10 years since I published Vasectomy: The Cruelest Cut Of All, The Modern Medical Nightmare Of Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome. Has the problem vanished maybe because urologists and prospective patients actually get it and refrain from performing and accepting the procedure, respectively, or medical advances have occurred that fully correct the problem? Absolutely not! In some locations vasectomy counselling must now precede the procedure by at least a day, but otherwise nothing. I still receive emails from those vasectomized who have developed ongoing pain, asking for my advice. The latest was from a mid-twenties man, who is somewhat in denial attributing it to short-term complications. Adjusting to the reality of life-long chronic pain from a procedure that never had to occur in the first place is very difficult, and even more when you might be facing 60+ years of pain!
I find it amazing that such a barbaric procedure continues largely unabated, and how so many men fall victim to it despite the information that is out there in my book and other writings. Unfortunately, the money made from performing vasectomies and vasectomy reversals makes it too appealing to physicians. In addition, given that most men who have the procedure do not develop PVPS, and how it can arise years after being vasectomized, it is easy for physicians to downplay the significance. However, approximately 15% of vasectomized men develop some degree of PVPS, with maybe 5% severe and intractable pain. Based upon how men’s health issues, other than for prostate cancer, seem to rate somewhat below dog and cat health problems, I am not too optimistic that the message will get out. However, there is always hope and once again I call for an end to vasectomy. When this becomes a reality I will actually believe that men’s health issues are truly valued.