Aching in the scrotum or testicle
A dull ache or pressure that feels deeper than the incision is often worse later in the day or after standing.
Post-vasectomy pain can feel like a dull ache in the scrotum or testicle, a pull in the groin, or pain with ejaculation. It’s often worse after long sitting, standing or exercise. Sometimes even clothing feels irritating.
Even without an urgent medical cause, the pelvis and hips can settle into a protective pattern. Pelvic floor muscles tighten, the inner thigh and lower abdominal muscles stay braced, and nearby nerves become more sensitive. That loop makes sitting, cycling and sex more likely to trigger pain.
Your urologist manages the vasectomy site and any surgical complication. What I treat is the pain and its muscle and nerve contributors, with dry needling, a form of acupuncture, and electroacupuncture. A tight lower abdominal wall can crowd the ilioinguinal nerve, and a tight pelvic floor can crowd the pudendal nerve. Needling those muscles eases the pressure. Irritable genitofemoral or ilioinguinal nerves get electroacupuncture, fine needles beside them with a gentle current, to help change how they signal. Where the whole system is amplifying scrotal pain, I treat the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine and the sacrum, which serve this region.
Most people have seen a urologist, had imaging or lab work, and tried medication. That evaluation matters for ruling out problems that need medical care. Medication can lower symptoms for a while without changing tight pelvic floor or hip muscles. Trigger points and nerve sensitivity don’t reliably show on scans, so attention can stay on the procedure site alone.
I start with where the pain sits, what sets it off, and what your urologist has already found. Then the exam:
Your urologist and any pelvic floor PT remain central to your care. If I find something that should go back to one of them, I’ll let you know and share it.
No. It’s a medical diagnosis, and a urologist should evaluate it. I treat the muscle and nerve contributors that often keep the pain going, and I coordinate with your medical team.
A urology evaluation is important to rule out problems that need medical or surgical care. Get prompt care for fever, growing swelling, redness, sudden severe pain, or quickly worsening urinary symptoms. Blood in the urine or new numbness or weakness also needs a doctor first.
Muscles in the pelvic floor, inner thigh and lower abdomen can refer pain into the groin and scrotum. When they stay tight, they add pressure around sensitive nerves. This is often a protective pattern that has lasted past the healing period.
Weekly or twice-weekly visits for 4 to 6 weeks is a usual start. Visits space out as things calm down. The full plan depends on how long you’ve had pain and how strongly sitting, exercise and sex set it off.
No. I treat the pelvic floor, inner thigh, lower abdomen, glutes and nearby nerves. Several of these are usually addressed together. Freeing the abdominal wall and pelvic floor reduces pressure on the groin nerves, while current and spinal work quiet their sensitivity. If anything suggests the procedure area needs another look, I’ll tell you and pass on my findings.
Goals include less intense pain, fewer and smaller flares, easier sitting and exercise, and more predictable symptoms. Results vary, especially when pain has been present a long time. I set goals around daily life and don’t promise a set outcome.
Adults with pelvic floor, nerve and orthopedic pain, along with neurological conditions. Most of my patients come to me after other care hasn't fully settled things. If you're looking for general wellness acupuncture, I'm not the right fit.
We review your history and what you've already tried. I assess the muscles and nerves involved, and you're treated the same day.
It depends on the condition. Pelvic and orthopedic plans usually run 4 to 6 weeks. Neurological plans are usually 2 visits a week for 6 weeks or 3 a week for 4. After that, visits space out so the changes hold. These are typical timelines, not promises.
Yes. I work alongside doctors, physical therapists and specialists. If something I find needs a closer look from one of them, I'll tell you.
I'm an out-of-network provider. You pay at the time of your visit, and my office submits the claim so any reimbursement comes to you. Free benefit checks are available before your first visit through the verification form, and HSA and FSA cards work. I don't take Medicare or Medicaid, though some Medicare Advantage plans reimburse out-of-network care. Full insurance details
Yes. I treat adults, teens and children, though I don't specialize in infants or toddlers.
Yes. Book a free discovery call to ask your questions and see whether we're a good fit.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture. Fine needles go into tight bands of muscle and trigger points to lower muscle tension and change how the area is signaling.
You may feel a brief twitch or a deep ache as the needle reaches tight muscle. It passes quickly, and any soreness afterward usually fades within a day or two.
It's generally safe with a properly trained practitioner. Needles are sterile and single-use, and I check your health history first, including blood thinners. In New York, dry needling can only be performed by licensed acupuncturists, MDs and DOs. Physical therapists and chiropractors aren't permitted to perform it.
Eat something light beforehand and wear loose clothing that lets me reach the area being treated.
Usually not. Ultrasound helps in a few specific cases, but it hasn't been shown to improve results for common trigger points. A careful hands-on exam is what guides the needle. More on ultrasound-guided dry needling
Dry needling aimed at the pelvic floor and the hip and abdominal muscles around it, for pain, tension and urinary symptoms driven by those muscles and their nerves. More on pelvic floor dry needling
Sometimes, depending on the muscles involved, and you'll be draped throughout. Treatment always follows your consent and comfort. I don't do internal exams or internal treatment.
No, though it helps if you've already seen a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist. Bring any notes or imaging you have.
Completely. I've heard it all, and there's no judgment here, just a straightforward conversation so we can treat what's going on.
Yes, I treat adults of every gender and identity. After gender-affirming surgery involving the pelvis, bring your surgical notes and we'll decide together what fits.
We also offer house calls and after-hours appointments by arrangement.
Private Access & House Calls →Ready when you are.
Limited spots each week — book now to reserve yours.
118 W. 72nd St, Rear Lobby, New York, NY 10023
Evidence-based acupuncture and dry needling on the Upper West Side. From chronic pain and headaches to pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Jordan Barber pairs the highest level of training with care that actually listens.
Member Clinic
An independent practice and member of New York Acupuncture Group, sharing clinical space and operations in Manhattan.
This site does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health. Read our full disclaimer.