I had a robotic-assisted prostatectomy nearly three weeks ago, and 8 days ago, I had my catheter removed (11 days post-op). Shortly after the catheter came out, I started experiencing increased sensitivity in my testicles, and it hasn’t gotten any better over the past eight days.
While researching, I came across some studies on vasectomies (which also involve the spermatic cord being cut), and I found that about 18.7% of men in one study and 14.7% in another reported new onset scrotal pain after the procedure. The pain seems to be due to an increase in pressure within the vas deferens on the testicular side, swelling and distension of the epididymis due to backpressure, and possible impact on the efferent ducts and seminiferous tubules in the testes.
I spoke with my nurse, and she mentioned that very few men report tenderness, so I’d be interested to hear if any of you have experienced this kind of sensitivity after prostate surgery, and how long it lasted. For some men post-vasectomy, the tenderness can persist long-term.
For me, the tenderness doesn’t result in constant pain, but it does require careful handling when washing, and I have to avoid any pressure or squeezing. My personal theory is that the tenderness began about 11 days post-surgery because that was the point at which enough backpressure could have built up to cause the sensitivity.
Would love to hear if anyone else has gone through something similar.