I too did NOT have a vas. But with the problems I have had, I too would be slightly suspicious of what the docs tell you. I work in a huge medical clinic on the west coast. We have 180+ specialists. Naturally, since I know many of them on a first name basis, I went to them for help.

I had my problem arise after simple lap scope hernia surgery. The first thing was we'll just have to open you up and see what is wrong. (I had this terrible nut pain radiating thru the right ball, up to my pelvic and down my leg after hernia surgery. I also had a large 1 1/2 cyst form that hurt like the dickens.) They did suggest sticking a needle into it and trying to drain it.

My regular doc didn't believe what I was being told and spoke to my surgeons and urologist. He was not satisfied and told me to find a surgeon out of our medical group. That surgeon was aware of the problem and was more optimistic. But he said it could mean removing the sperm tubing, or the epididymis, or even removing my ball. Even though a surgeon, he didn't want to cut on me. He felt we should try other things. He done nerve blocks to stop the pain. (Stopping the pain meant I would move freely and fluids would drain away.) I was on anti inflammatories. I had 6 1/2 weeks of Cipro, ultrsounds, CT scans, you name it.

Between the nerve blocks, and the herbs, vitamins, and chiropratic, I am almost ok now. ***Now*** here is what the surgeon told me after I was getting better:
Doctors do not like patients who do not respond to normal medicines/practices. They feel helpless or belittled. He feels he can learn from these things so looked into it more. (I knew something was up with my first doctor, as he acted like I really didn't hurt that bad.....)

Now since I am almost fine, my surgeon ****tells**** me, I have done lots of studying on this and find that removing the tubing often leads to removing the epididymis then removing the testicle. And guess what? then the pain often moves to the other testicle. He feels no cutting is best.

My problem was simular to yours in that the sperm tubing was pinched from inflammation, Thus giving me a vas on one side. I produce lots of sperm and it must have made the big lump, and then backed up into my epididymis, causing it all to swell.

**Now** to cap it all off. We just hired a new urologist who previously was with the big clinic in Minnesota. My doc suggested seeing him also. I felt exactly like you as I thought the last one guessed. I happened to be working near him one day and he asked me some questions about my relatives. (He read my name tag and wanted to know if I knew so and so.) I figured turn about was fair play and I asked him what he knew about epididymitis. I told him I had a problem and didn't want to waste his time or my time if he was not knowledgeable. Of course, you say that to the person who does know..... Anyway, he suggested the same thing. NO CUTTING, as it often moves from one part to another after the first hurting spot is removed. He suggested many things, clothing, work load, how you sit, restrict driving, etc. (Email me if you want the details.) I told him I was taking herbs which seemed to help more than anything. He didn't say "Oh good!" but said the best thing is to try these options until you find what helps with out surgery.

I know this is long but maybe it will show you why many of us are suspicious of docs.