"I Farted Through My Penis!" Shocking Prostate Surgery Complications Men Need to Know
A vesiculorectal fistula is a rare but serious problem that can sometimes happen after a prostatectomy (surgery to remove the prostate gland).
The prostate sits close to the rectum and the seminal vesicles (small glands that help make semen).
Because these body parts are so close together, there's a chance that during surgery, an accidental connection (called a vesiculorectal fistula) can form between the rectum and the seminal vesicles.
How Does This Happen?
• The rectum might get accidentally injured during surgery.
• An infection after surgery could damage nearby tissues.
• The area might not heal properly, creating a tunnel (fistula) between the rectum and seminal vesicles.
What Are the Symptoms?
• Farting through the penis: Gas from the rectum can travel through the fistula and exit the body when urinating or ejaculating. This happens because the abnormal connection lets air and stool move into the seminal vesicles and urinary pathway.
• Stool in semen (fecalospermia): Semen might look dirty or smell bad.
• Painful ejaculation or pelvic pain.
• Repeated urinary infections because bacteria can enter the urinary system.
• Blood in semen or rectal discharge of semen.
Is This Dangerous?
Yes, it can be. If stool or bacteria from the rectum reaches the seminal vesicles, it can cause serious infections, including sepsis, which is life-threatening. It can also lead to painful abscesses and ongoing infections that lower quality of life.
Treatment:
• Early diagnosis is obviously key. If caught early, small fistulas may heal with rest and antibiotics.
• Surgery is often needed to close the fistula, especially for larger or more serious cases.
• Sometimes, a temporary colostomy (a surgical opening that allows stool to exit into a bag) helps the area heal.
The Good News:
• This problem is rare after a prostatectomy.
• With the right treatment, most men recover fully and live normal lives.
• If you notice signs like gas passing from the penis, pain, or unusual semen, see a doctor right away.
Bottom Line:
Thankfully I have never had prostate surgery and can only imagine the horror in the minds of the men who have suffered through this...
... A vesiculorectal fistula can cause unusual and alarming symptoms like farting through the penis, but with prompt medical care, it can be safely treated and fully healed.
What To Do Now?
- Before You're Rushed Into Surgery, Radiation, or Hormone Therapy—Let’s Talk. See how to schedule a private prostate cancer clarity call with Scott Oliver here.
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About the Author
Scott Oliver, 66, is living well with prostate cancer after dedicating more than 4,000 hours to researching the condition. His first goal is to help men reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer through proven lifestyle strategies.
When diagnosed, his mission is to help men avoid unnecessary prostate surgeries that can lead to devastating complications such as incontinence, bleeding, permanent impotence, and a loss of length.
Scott Oliver is not a doctor and does not offer medical advice; however, he is healthier and fitter than he has been in decades. Through his articles and videos, he shares hard-to-find, uncensored information on proven alternative therapies, effective fitness methods, and repurposed drugs, content that most doctors won’t mention and search engines suppress.
He is an accredited member of the National Writers Union (NWU) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the world’s largest organization of professional journalists. Scott is also the author of What If Cancer’s Best Defense Is Free? Sleep as a Defense Against Cancer: A Former Royal Marines Commando’s 4,000-Hour Research Roadmap, where he reveals how sleep repairs DNA, restores immunity, and strengthens the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
You can always contact Scott Oliver here with your questions and suggestions.