Gary* was a young man when he decided to join the military. He was sent to Vietnam to serve and, when he turned 21 years old, he was injured. He hurt his back as well as his testicles. The military doctors did what they could and sent him back to his unit to continue fighting for our country. Even after he left the military, Gary was still in pain. He tried to ignore it and continue with his life. Chronic testicular pain is one of the most common reasons for medical discharge from the United States Army. In most cases, pain is related to trauma.
After about ten years, the pain in his testicles started to increase. It was more than just an annoying soreness; he was always uncomfortable. Sitting became difficult and riding in a car for too long was unbearable. He knew he had to seek medical treatment.
He was hesitant about it, but Gary finally made an appointment with a urologist. He was examined and told to wear tight underwear and take Tylenol. Gary was so eager to make the pain go away, he tried it. In fact, he tried it for the next twenty years and the pain didn’t go away.
Two years ago, Gary went in for his regular urology check-up and he saw the Nurse Practitioner that day. He told her about the pain in his testicles and she said, “I know a urologist who can fix that for you!”
After thirty years of being in pain, Gary was excited to talk to someone who might be able to give him some relief, so he made an appointment. His new urologist explained that she could perform a minor surgical treatment that would help. During this procedure, the urologist takes out damaged veins and cuts nerves. Gary was eager to do whatever it would take to find comfort, so he agreed to have it done. He was told to not lift anything heavy and come back two weeks after the surgery to get the stiches removed.
After the surgery, he felt immediate relief. He was shocked that something so simple and easy could help him live a normal life again. After spending years living with pain, Gary encourages men with this issue to seek medical care. “Even if you are embarrassed or worried, it’s so worth it. I highly recommend getting this done. You will get life back.”
*Name has been changed.