Please Help: I Have Sore Testicles and Sore Lower Back When I Have Sex!

KB1 · May 25, 2018, 6:15am

This is a novel, but I digress

I filled out the new member survey and pasted it to the bottom of this message, as well.

Hi, Guys,

OK, I found this site and have spent the past few days dreading my first post, but I thought I’d bite the bullet and write the story in its entirety. I’m scared, but I want to find out what’s wrong with me so I can get better.

In December of 2005 I started taking Propecia—1 MG daily. I also had a hair transplant (after going on Propecia) and started taking Rogaine (I switched over to Rogaine foam and still take Rogaine foam). I definitely had some symptoms when on Propecia—deceased sex drive; at times, my semen turned watery; it didn’t ‘shoot’ like it used to (when I orgasmed—actually, sometimes it would merely drip out). When I brought this up with the doctor who had prescribed the Propecia (a doctor at MHR), he told me 1% of Propecia users had these problems and I could stop taking Propecia for two weeks and elect to take it every-other-day, which I did. He claimed Propecia was safe and when I mentioned some guys on a message board claimed Propecia changed their penis shape (they said it had bent their penis to some degree), he and one of his surgery techs laughed and discredited their claims.

Though the awful problems began in October of 2008. I had sex and two or three days later, my testicles started to bother me. At first, it felt like somebody was striking the bottom of my testicles with a rubber band (odd, I know). It got worse. I made a list of the symptoms to bring to my doctor. They also included:

-Sore testicles
-Weird sensation on the top half of my penis (near the urethra)—and sometimes it would burn.
-Sore sides
-Urinated approximately 4-times per night
-Had that “off feeling”—didn’t feel right.
-Slight nausea/tired/weak/infrequent cold sweats (perhaps from worrying due to notion…)

…I thought I had contracted an STD from the woman I had slept with and asked the doctor for an STD test (whether a blood test or a urine test). The doctor claimed it would do no good, since I didn’t have any discharge. He thought I had Epididymitis so I went on antibiotics, which didn’t help. I returned to the doctor and received a second round of antibiotics. Here are my symptoms I recorded when I went on my second visit:

-Tickly feeling running up or down the back of my hip. I had the same sensation near the left buttocks/hip area. The feeling comes and goes.
-Sore testicles. Oddly, one tended to bother me more than the other, and the next day, the other testicle was more bothersome. This back and forth oddity occurred for around a week.
-Strange feeling at the end of my penis.
-Weaker urine stream—almost numb feeling.

At this point, my sack was larger, so I did believe I had Epididymitis. It hurt like hell, actually—I would lay in bed and elevate my testicles with a warm washcloth. It seemed to relieve the pain a bit.

Fearing a testicular torsion or cancer, the doctor sent me to get an ultrasound. Everything came back healthy. Though almost a month later, I still had the symptoms, though not as bad:

-Sore testicles during and after I worked out (not awful, but noticeable)
-Sometimes after urinating, the area around the bottom of my penis (the urethral area) felt like it was being lightly pinched, and sometimes this area had a numb feeling.

-At times, my sides were ever so slightly sore.
-Some lower back pain.
-Often, after urinating, a drop of urine would later fall out (or form there minutes after urinating).

I saw a urologist and he claimed the problem needed to “burn itself out.” He was convinced it was a result of an STD.

After a few months, everything was back to normal. HOWEVER, these symptoms return (not to the degree of the first time, but it still hurts) when I do one of the following two things:

-Have MISSIONARY style sex (seriously—I had a girl ride me one time and I didn’t have any symptoms later).
-Run on a treadmill a few times (even if I wear a jock strap and underwear).

I saw my doctor and he checked my prostate (using his finger). He claimed my prostate felt healthy, but that was the extent of the prostate investigation.

In the fall of 2009 I thought, screw Propecia—this isn’t worth it, and was suspicious of it.

I had sex a month or two ago and of course, my lower back became sore, as were my testicles.

Fed up, I went to the local hospital’s sports medicine clinic. I received back x-rays and everything appeared normal; though the physical therapist thinks I may have a back problem (perhaps a disk problem). I also saw a general surgeon who claims I might need hernia surgery. I’m meeting with the physical therapist and the sports medicine doctor again on Thursday. I asked the physical therapist if I could get an ultrasound or MRI on my chest to see if I had a hernia and he said he didn’t know (if one could determine a hernia using those machines). Though I could have one done on my lower-back, he said. The physical therapist urged I use the elliptical machine—I did (3-4 times a week) with no problem. So I believe that this problem occurs due to the pounding of the treadmill and missionary-style sex (weird, I know).

They also urged me to see a urologist again. Though I’m inclined to go to the Cleveland Clinic to see a urologist, since they’re top-notch (not a far drive, either). Anyone ever go for The Cleveland Clinic for a urologist?

My question to you all—I’m not so much looking for a diagnosis as I’m looking to see if anyone out there has experienced what I’ve experienced. I want to be well again. I don’t want to have sore testicles a few days after sex. This never happened to me until October of 2008, and it happens EVERY TIME I have missionary-style sex. It sucks.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I hope to God Propecia didn’t do this to me. I just want some answers and the local medical community appears to be stumped. I still take Rogaine, use a laser comb, and take a few supplements (I started taking them after going off of Propecia—Saw Palmetto, Nettle Root Extract). I’m 29 and am in great shape, but this situation has worried me. I had a few panic attacks due to the stress (I’d never had one before this ordeal). I feel like my motivation isn’t what it used to me—I feel tired, and feel like trying to be successful is futile (in life). I’m terrified I won’t be able to father children someday, and I’m afraid my testicles will be sore after sex always. If anyone has any questions or comments, please share. Many thanks for reading this and caring enough to comment.

How did you find this forum? Google search, plus the forum was mentioned in a Swedish news story I found on Youtube.
What is your current age, height, weight? 29, 6’4, 215
Do you excercise regularly? If so, what type of excercise? Weight lifting 3X a week, cardio multiple times a week.
What type of diet do you eat (vegetarian, meat eater, raw, fast-food/organic healthy)? Rather healthy—fruits, vegetables, meat. I eat “bad food” rarely.
Why did you take Finasteride (hair loss, BPH, other)? Hair loss.
For how long did you take Finasteride (weeks/months/years)? Dec 2005 – Sept 2009
How old were you when you started Finasteride? 25
How old were you when you quit? 29
How did you quit (cold turkey or taper off)? Cold turkey.
What type of Finasteride did you use – Propecia, Proscar, Fincar or other generic? Propecia
What dose did you take (eg. 1 mg/day, 1 mg every other day etc.)? 1 MG daily, and then I switched to 1 MG every other day.
How long into your use of Finasteride did you notice the onset of side effects? Almost immediately, but I was assured I was OK.
What side effects did you experience while on the drug that have yet to resolve since discontinuation? Sore testicles, sore lower back, etc (mentioned below)

Put an X beside all that apply:

Sexual
[ X] Loss of Libido / Sex Drive
[X ] Erectile Dysfunction
[ ] Complete Impotence
[ ] Loss of Morning Erections
[ ] Loss of Spontaneous Erections
[ ] Loss of Nocturnal Erections
[X ] Watery Ejaculate
[ X] Reduced Ejaculate
[ ] Inability to Ejaculate / Orgasm
[ ] Reduced Sperm Count / Motility

Mental
[ X] Emotional Blunting / Emotionally Flat
[ X] Difficulty Focusing / Concentrating
[ ] Confusion
[ ] Memory Loss / Forgetfullness
[ ] Stumbling over Words / Losing Train of Thought
[ ] Slurring of Speech
[ X] Lack of Motivation / Feeling Passive / Complacency
[X] Extreme Anxiety / Panic Attacks
[ X] Depression / Melancholy

Physical
[ ] Penile Tissue Changes (narrowing, shrinkage, wrinkled)
[ ] Penis curvature / rotation on axis
[ X] Testicular Pain
[ ] Testicular Shrinkage / Loss of Fullness
[ X] Genital numbness / sensitivity decrease
[ ] Weight Gain
[ ] Gynecomastia (male breasts)
[ ] Muscle Wastage
[ ] Muscle Weakness
[ ] Joint Pain
[ ] Dry / Dark Circles under eyes

Misc
[ X] Prostate pain
[ X] Persistent Fatigue / Exhaustion
[ X] Stomach Pains / Digestion Problems
[ ] Constipation / “Poo Pellets”
[ ] Vision - Acuity Decrease / Blurriness
[ ] Increased hair loss
[ X] Frequent urination
[ ] Lowered body temperature

[ X] Other (please explain) (mentioned below)

What (if any) treatments have you undertaken to recover from your side effects since discontinuation of the drug? None. Just trying to learn what’s causing this pain.
If you have pre or post-Finasteride bloodtests, what hormonal changes have you encountered since discontinuing the drug (pls post your test results in the “Blood Tests” section and link to them in your post)? My doctor tested my blood and claimed everything was OK. I did not receive the numerical results.
Anything not listed in the above questions you’d like to share about your experience with Finasteride? Yes. Please read below. Thanks!
Tell us your story, in your own words, about your Finasteride usage and side effects experienced while on/off the drug.

Mew · May 25, 2018, 6:15am

Saw Palmetto is a dual 5AR inhibitor and there are men who have reported similar side effects as Finasteride from use. I would advise against use of this supplement. Same goes for Nettles which has been found to inhibit 5AR.

Testicular pain is a listed side effect by Merck for Propecia:
propecia.com/finasteride/pro … e-effects/

Many here experienced this symptom, self included, while taking and weeks or months after discontinuing. However, with time many find it subsides.

The most likely reason for the pain is due to Finasteride causing upregulation of LH and thus Testosterone production due to inhibition of DHT (translation: your nuts work in overdrive beyond their limits 24/7, causing pain) while on the drug. After quitting, as T levels come down, the pain should subside.

However, the fact you are now taking Saw Palmetto and Nettles which are known 5AR inhibitors is likely the source of your continuing problems. I would advise discontinuing all internal medications/supplements and give your body a few months to get itself back on track.

As for back pain, it was noted in the FDA Propecia Clinical Trials, but of course was not found to be statistically significant by Merck/FDA. As well, there is this: propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=589

Again, my advice is to give your body a break and let it get back on track and try and heal itself from the effects of continued 5AR inhibition.

In the meantime you should get bloodwork per list at top of HORMONES section to see what is going on internally.

Fanjeera · May 25, 2018, 6:15am

It’s okay to have some testicle pain after having sex, because they are a little crushed by the partner in the action.
Do you get nausea immediately or the day after?
I have similar stuff, but as it only occurs after making love, I’m not worrying that much. When googling the symptoms, it seems that it’s quite regular.

KB1 · May 25, 2018, 6:15am

Hi, Mew – MANY thanks for the info! I’ll definitely be bringing it to my doctors’ office (he’s a free-thinker, and doesn’t seem to scoff at my ideas and actually likes it when the patient does his own research). It’s time for a physical anyway, and I am excited (seriously) to bring this to my doctors’ attention. Thanks! I also take green tea extract and drink green tea. I think that should be OK to continue taking, but I could be wrong. Any feedback on drinking green tea/taking a green tea extract in pill form? I’ll definitely be printing out your links/info and bringing it to the doctor. I am quite grateful. Thanks!

Fanjeera – No nausea. I get the exact same problem when I run on a treadmill. These two problems began in October of 2008. It’s as if the stress of jogging on a treadmill (the pounding) and the stress of doing it missionary are creating the same problem. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it happens EVERY TIME. I never used to have this problem (I had a decent amount of sex before this and never had sore testicles). But now it happens all the time when I do one of the two things above. It’s a mystery!

PS. Random question: How accurate are ultrasounds when it comes to checking out the health of the prostate? I seriously want to get my swimmers checked, as well. Again, many thanks to you guys. It feels good to know there are others out there who went through the same thing and are willing to help others with the same problem.

Fanjeera · May 25, 2018, 6:15am

What do you mean by nausea there then ? It comes with testicle pain for me usually. Off feeling? Is that something psychological or you actually feel unhealthy?

KB1 · May 25, 2018, 6:15am

Hi, I noticed it the first time my testicles hurt. I wonder if it was merely me freaking out, thinking the girl gave me an STD.

What’s so weird about this is if I don’t have sex (missionary positon) and don’t run on a treadmill, the pain will eventually go away. And it will return when I do one of the two things above. My physical therapist has me on the eliptical - he thinks the pounding (of the treadmill) is part of the problem, and the elipical was a test, and it appears he’s right, as far as the pounding goes. I will seriously keep you all updated. If I can fix myself/learn useful info I will definitely share it with everyone.

Fanjeera · May 25, 2018, 6:15am

I get nauseous too, when my testicles hurt while having blue balls: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_balls
Nausea is not normal in that case, but testicle pain is. So that’s why I’m worried.

KB1 · May 25, 2018, 6:15am

Yeah, the few times I’ve had blue balls I’ve bee nauseous. But this problem doesn’t make me want to puke (since I cease the treadmill when it begins). If the pain became bad enough though, I may feel otherwise. I’m seeing the sports medicine doctor tomorrow…

KB1 · May 25, 2018, 6:17am

Update: I’ve been seeing specialists. I was told the problem is not back-related (according to my local sports medicine doctor). I was at the Cleveland Clinic yesterday (#2 ranked Urology Dept.) and they think my problem is related to my prostate. Not surprised - I’m sure Propecia poisoned it to the point of sickness.

Everything went well - they took an interest in me, asked a lot of questions and spent over five minutes with me, unlike St. Vincent’s hospital in PA, where the physician’s assistant asked me, “What are you so worried about?” They claimed it would merely “Burn itself out.” It’s amazing how clueless some urology departments are.

The Cleveland Clinic Physician’s Assistant I saw claims I can do physical therapy to fix the problem. They took a few tests and will call me with more info. When I have more useful info, I’ll let you all know. She also urged me into looking into taking Quercetin.

I don’t know how Propecia is legal. It works for some people without incidence, but taking it is like playing Russian Roulette with your nuts.

cdnuts · May 25, 2018, 6:17am

I’m curious to know what their physical therapy procedures for the prostate are? I’m putting my money on kegels…

martinM · May 25, 2018, 6:17am

BOOM!

Lost half of mine

KB1 · May 25, 2018, 6:17am

Hi, the Nurse Practitioner called it ‘Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy’. I’m going to ask her if she’ll green light the hormone/blood tests, as well.

solonjk · May 25, 2018, 6:30am

.

solonjk · May 25, 2018, 6:30am

“Tickly feeling running up or down the back of my hip. I had the same sensation near the left buttocks/hip area. The feeling comes and goes”

same here, and some times it gives me a burning sensation at the lower inside portion of my foot. Its due to the inflammation from low dht, high e2 and low Testosterone. I seem to correct it with transdermal liposomal T but it comes back when i dont take it.

towm8er · May 25, 2018, 7:15am

KB,

I started propecia in 2007, then proscar, then ceased taking it about 1.5 to 2 years ago. I only discovered, after seeing many doctors, pshchiatrists and experts, that Propecia is the primary cause for the list of ills I suffer from. I had suffered all these years thinking I was just changing or getting old or midlife crisis etc. I seriously considered suicide but could never actually follow through; just a seriously depressed mindset with no desires, hopes or dreams left. I’m no longer the happy, joker, prankster who thrives on adrenaline rushes. People say I’ve changed into a different person.

Thanks to your post, even 2 years later, it has helped me a LOT.

I’ve been to many doctors to figure out what is going on with me and none of which could put a diagnosis or cause together.
I’ve also had the pain in the testicles, feels like a pinch near the left testicle for me and would only occur when having sex.
I’ve also had a reduction in sensitivity, so between these two issues it was nearly impossible for me to enjoy sex with my wife. Our sex life is non-existent and we’ve been together for 21 years. It wasn’t until 2 weeks ago that I stumbled across a guy’s story and symptoms about propecia within a Forum for Men with ADHD. The sexual side effects are only a small part of the whole picture for me though. The mental impact (not really known fully) has nearly killed me as well as a few others due to my reckless behavior.

I have a really, really, looooooooong story. Too long for this forum.