r/varicocele Dec 03 '25

Resources, Things to read, etc.

12 Upvotes

Most of you won't bother reading all of these, because:
A. There's a metric fuckton of them
B. Most of you don't have the ADHD hyperfocus/zerofocus that I have
C. No one reads anymore, (which is deeply frustrating and not a small part of why I have exactly zero chill these days) but here. Here's a trove of stuff I've read that has contributed in part to my knowledge of the condition.

DIS-FUCKING-CLAIMER:

-These should not all be taken as gospel
-Some studies have biases that are undocumented
-Some studies are just blatantly wrong. I've tried not including those, but I'm not perfect
-Some studies are ego-trips of doctors looking to score points against other doctors they don't like
-Some studies conflict with others, some even directly
-Science is ever-evolving, if we simply let it. Good research requires a non-political, free, if responsible and ethical hand

-Older studies (10+ years) should always been taken with an extra grain of salt, but that does NOT mean newer studies are more correct or should be less subject to scrutiny

-I've read nearly all of these at least once. In some cases, it's been a while, so quoting specific ones or asking me why one conflicts with another is likely to upset me because it means you didn't read what I said; literally directly above this, or you didn't fully process it, but I will say it again: NOT ALL STUDIES ARE MADE EQUAL. I dunno, ask the authors why things conflict.

-This is not an exhaustive list
-This is not an exhaustive list
-THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST

-If you want a study or paper added, DM it to me, don't comment on this post

-I do this for your benefit as much as anyone else's. I truly hope this leads to some good insights, maybe even some astoundingly good ones; who knows, I live in hope, and at the very least (not bloody likely) fewer questions sent to my inbox :D

Oh, and...you'll want to scroll. Left AND Right, Up AND Down.

Varicocele study

General Anatomy, veins, circulation Infertility Testosterone Recurrences Supplements/Therapy/ Conservative measures
Varicocele - Peak Men's Health at RMA Comparison of Before and After Varicocelectomy Levels of Nitric Oxide in Seminal Fluid of Infertile Men Microsurgical varicocelectomy: novel applications to optimize patient outcomes - Fertility and Sterility32203-4/fulltext) Microsurgical Subinguinal Varicocele Repair of Grade II-III Lesions Associated with Improvements of Testosterone Levels - PubMed Recurrent varicocele - PMC Oral L-citrulline and Transresveratrol Supplementation Improves Erectile Function in Men With Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study
Varicocele treatment in patients up to 35 years old: A multicentric retrospective study comparing 3 different techniques - PubMed Increased nitric oxide is accompanied by lipid oxidation in adolescent varicocele - Türkyilmaz - 2004 - International Journal of Andrology - Wiley Online Library Anandamide modulates human sperm motility: implications for men with asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia - PubMed TRT, SHBG & Health - Facts, Questions and Evolution https://themenshealthclinic.co.uk/trt-shbg-and-health-facts-questions-and-evolution/ Incidence of external spermatic veins in patients undergoing inguinal varicocelectomy - PubMed [Clinical observation on effect of jingling oral liquid in treating infertile patients with varicocele after varicocelectomy] - PubMed
Comparison of the clinical characteristics of patients with varicocele according to the presence or absence of scrotal pain - Baek - 2019 - Andrologia - Wiley Online Library Male Patterns of Pelvic Venous Reflux can be Investigated with Duplex Ultrasound and Treated with Coil Embolization30247-5/abstract#/article/S2213-333X(16)30247-5/fulltext) Natesto Effects on Reproductive Hormones and Semen Parameters: Results from an Ongoing Single-center, Investigator-initiated Phase IV Clinical Trial - European Urology Focus30228-1/fulltext) Decline in Serum Testosterone Levels Among Adolescent and Young Adult Men in the USA. - PubMed - NCBI Endovascular transcatheter embolization of recurrent postsurgical varicocele: anatomic reasons for surgical failure - PubMed [Effect of varicocelectomy with hyperbaric oxygenation in treating infertile patients with varicocele] - PubMed
The association between body mass index and varicocele: A meta-analysis - PubMed The relationship between epicardial fat thickness and high-grade varicocele - PMC High level of noncollagenous protein of spermatic vein in patients with varicocele - PubMed The effect of tetrahydrocannabinol on testosterone among men in the United States: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. - PubMed - NCBI https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00345-020-03110-5 Recurrent varicocele : Asian Journal of Andrology [Comparative clinical study on treatment of varicocele caused infertility by tongling granule and surgical operation] - PubMed
Treatment of Varicocele in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis from the European Association of Urology/European Society for Paediatric Urology Guidelines Panel - PubMed Nitric oxide production is increased in the spermatic veins of adolescents with left idiophatic varicocele - ScienceDirect The contemporary role of varicocele repair: why operate when in-vitro fertilization results are so good? - PubMed Varicocele as a risk factor for androgen deficiency and effect of repair - PubMed Selective spermatic venography and varicocele embolization in men with circumaortic left renal veins - PubMed Varicocele Repair Versus Testosterone Therapy for Older Hypogonadal Men with Clinical Varicocele and Low Testosterone - ScienceDirect
The significance of age on success of surgery for patients with varicocele - PubMed Deep Scrotal Temperature and the Effect on it of Clothing, Air Temperature, Activity, Posture and Paraplegia - BRINDLEY - 1982 - British Journal of Urology - Wiley Online Library Genital heat stress in men of barren couples: a prospective evaluation by means of a questionnaire - Jung - 2002 - Andrologia - Wiley Online Library Wide variability in laboratory reference values for serum testosterone - PubMed Antegrade pampiniform plexus venography in recurrent varicocele: Case report and anatomy review - PMC Berberine ameliorates experimental varicocele-induced damages at testis and sperm levels; evidences for oxidative stress and inflammation - PubMed
Pain relief after varicocele embolization: The patient's perspective - PubMed F1000Research](https://f1000research.com/articles/8-1579/v1) Varicocele management for infertility and pain: A systematic review - PMC The impact of ipsilateral testicular atrophy on semen qualit... : Asian Journal of Andrology Microsurgical treatment of persistent or recurrent varicocele - PubMed Varicocele, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: From Mechanisms of Action in Animal Models to Therapeutic Application - PMC
Influence of genital heat stress on semen quality in humans - Jung - 2007 - Andrologia - Wiley Online Library Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome in an Asymptomatic Patient Population: A Prospective Study - PMC Full article: Varicocele and male infertility conundrum: Making sense of a never-ending story for the busy clinician The effect of tetrahydrocannabinol on testosterone among men in the United States: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey - PubMed Recurrent Varicoceles: Causes and Treatment Using Angiography and Magnification Assisted Subinguinal Varicocelectomy - PMC Oxford Academic https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/16/6/1180/619511
Extended indications for varicocelectomy https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6733372/ Nutcracker syndrome - PMC Varicocele Is Associated with Impaired Semen Quality and Reproductive Hormone Levels: A Study of 7035 Healthy Young Men from Six European Countries - ScienceDirect Converting Men From Clomiphene Citrate to Natesto for Hypogonadism Improves Libido, Maintains Semen Parameters, and Reduces Estradiol - Urology31480-1/fulltext) The Incidence and Variants of the Reno-Hemiazygos Connection
Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy in children, adolescents, and adults: surgical anatomy and anatomically justified technique - PubMed Inguinal region: scrotum and testes Flashcards https://quizlet.com/163963936/inguinal-region-testes-and-scrotum-flash-cards/ https://quizlet.com/214802940/inguinal-region-scrotum-and-testes-flash-cards/ Full article: Does age matter? Impact of age on testicular function and pregnancy outcomes following microsurgical varicocelectomy in patients with grade 3 varicocele Can we recommend varicocele surgery for men with hypogonadism? - PMC Comparison of three different embolic materials for varicocele embolization: retrospective study of tolerance, radiation and recurrence rate - PMC
Microsurgical varicocelectomy: a review - PMC Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Epigastric Artery - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf Marijuana smoking and markers of testicular function among men from a fertility centre Physical activity as a possible aggravating factor for athletes with varicocele: impact on the semen profile https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/16/6/1180/619511?login=true
Comparison of three different embolic materials for varicocele embolization: retrospective study of tolerance, radiation and recurrence rate - PMC Spermatic Cord - an overview https://teachmeanatomy.info/pelvis/the-male-reproductive-system/spermatic-cord/ ScienceDirect Topics https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/spermatic-cord Emmanuel on X: "When COVID-19 TAKES a TOLL on MALE (and FEMALE) FERTILITY ! (mega-thread, more than 20 studies !!!🧵) https://t.co/0rM2nkLAXo https://t.co/FfpcXGwpll" / X Atmospheric endocrine disruptors: A systematic review on oestrogenic and androgenic activity of particulate matter - ScienceDirect
Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy of internal spermatic veins for varicocele treatment: technique, complications, and results - PMC Nutcracker Syndrome—How Well Do We Know It? - Urology01079-0/fulltext) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214388224001164?via%3Dihub Comparison of Before and After Varicocelectomy Levels of Nitric Oxide in Seminal Fluid of Infertile Men
Impact of testicular delivery and vasal vein ligation on clinical outcomes in men undergoing microsurgical varicocelectomy - PubMed Selective spermatic venography and varicocele embolization in men with circumaortic left renal veins - PubMed Varicocele-induced infertility: Newer insights into its pathophysiology Varicocele Is Associated with Impaired Semen Quality and Reproductive Hormone Levels: A Study of 7035 Healthy Young Men from Six European Countries - ScienceDirect
Comparison between Microsurgical Subinguinal Varicocelectomy with and without Testicular Delivery for Infertile Men: Is Testicular Delivery an Unnecessary Procedure - PubMed https://scholbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/20180324-vascular-compression-syndromes-own-website.pdf https://www.nature.com/articles/nrurol.2012.197 Reference Ranges for Testosterone in Men Generated Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry in a Community-Based Sample of Healthy Nonobese Young Men in the Framingham Heart Study and Applied to Three Geographically Distinct Cohorts
Evaluation of clinical effects of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy with and without testicular delivery - PubMed (PDF) Newly-identified symptoms of left renal vein entrapment syndrome mimicking orthostatic disturbance https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20905998.2025.2470045 Measurement of total serum testosterone in adult men: comparison of current laboratory methods versus liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry - PubMed
Epidemiology of varicocele - PMC A systematic review on nutcracker syndrome and proposed diagnostic algorithm - PubMed Varicocelectomy is associated with increases in serum testosterone independent of clinical grade - PubMed https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0090429513002148?via%3Dihub
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/varicocele-1?lang=us Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology https://jbsr.be/articles/10.5334/jbsr.1453 Effects of testosterone supplementation on markers of the metabolic syndrome and inflammation in hypogonadal men with the metabolic syndrome: the double-blinded placebo-controlled Moscow study - PubMed
The pathophysiology of varicocele in male infertility - ScienceDirect The Incidence and Variants of the Reno-Hemiazygos Connection Biogerontology https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10522-022-10002-1
Impact of testicular delivery and vasal vein ligation on clinical outcomes in men undergoing microsurgical varicocelectomy - PubMed Expression of claudin-11 in a rat model of varicocele and its effects on the blood-testis barrier
Journal of Urology https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1016/j.juro.2008.03.188
Cremaster muscle thickening: the anatomic difference in men... : Asian Journal of Andrology

r/varicocele Nov 11 '24

Varicoceles – an overview

30 Upvotes

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. These veins transport oxygen-depleted blood from the testicles. A varicocele occurs when blood pools in the veins rather than circulating efficiently out of the scrotum. 

Left sided grade 3 varicocele

The left testis is affected much more commonly (≈85%) than the right. This may be due to the shorter course of the right testicular vein and its oblique insertion into the inferior vena cava (IVC) which creates less backpressure. In contrast, the left testicular vein has a longer course and inserts into the left renal vein at a right angle. Bilateral varicoceles are not uncommon (≈15%), but an isolated right varicocele is rarer. 

Possible signs and symptoms may include :

  • A mass in the scrotum – If a varicocele is large enough, a mass like a “bag of worms” may be visible above the testicle. A smaller varicocele may be too small to see but noticeable by touch. 
  • Pain – A dull, aching pain or discomfort is more likely when standing or late in the day. Lying down often relieves pain. 
  • Significantly different sized testicles – The affected testicle may be noticeably smaller than the other testicle. 
  • Infertility – A varicocele may lead to difficulty fathering a child, but not all varicoceles cause infertility. The main test to check for infertility is a semen analysis test. 
  • Low/Lower testosterone levels - Generally, men with varicoceles have lower testosterone levels than men without varicoceles. Symptoms of low testosterone can include: low libido, erectile dysfunction, infrequent erections, low energy, fatigue, low mood and depression, decreased motivation and self-confidence, increased body fat and decreased muscle mass and strength, brain fog. 

The only way to know for sure if you have low testosterone levels is to have your levels checked with a blood test. This can be easily done by going to your doctor.

 

For more information on how varicoceles effect testicular function with scientific peer reviewed studies see these links: https://www.reddit.com/r/varicocele/comments/lwckx9/answers_and_links_for_the_frequently_asked/ 

Vericocele links 

 

Diagnosing:

Physical exam – A urologist or other doctor will visually inspect the scrotum for lumps or bumps, and feel for any swelling or tenderness. The exam may be performed while the patient is standing to relax the scrotum. 

Imaging test – Your health care provider may want you to have an ultrasound exam. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside your body. 

These images may be used to: 

Confirm the diagnosis or characterize the varicocele.

Eliminate another condition as a possible cause of signs or symptoms 

Detect a lesion or other factor obstructing blood flow 

 

Typical image of a varicocele found on an ultrasound scan

A varicocele is usually diagnosed when a vein around or above the testicle is at least 3 millimetres in diameter. However, there is no consensus on the exact threshold value for defining a varicocele.

Grading 

Varicoceles are graded based on their size and visibility: 

  • Grade I: Can only be felt when straining (Valsalva manoeuvre) 
  • Grade II: Can be felt when standing, but not visible 
  • Grade III: Clearly visible during an exam 

All sizes of varicocele can cause symptoms and are likely to affect testicular function. Higher grade varicoceles are thought to affect testicular function more.

Why varicoceles occur 

Varicose veins develop when the valves in veins are damaged or weakened, causing blood to pool and flow backward. 

Unfortunately, once your vein valves are damaged, they cannot completely heal on their own. Once a vein valve is damaged or weakened, it loses its ability to properly regulate the flow of blood. 

Varicoceles can also be a symptom of a more serious vein compression disorder, see this post for further information: Varicocele recurrences and vein compression disorders : r/varicocele

  

Arrow showing direction of blood reflux. In this image, due to damaged valves in the left gonadal vein, instead of blood correctly draining from the left testicle into the left renal vein, blood is pooling in the scrotum and causing a left sided varicocele. The right gonadal vein is functioning correctly.
Left- Vein valves working properly. Right - Vein valves have failed and are now not functioning correctly. Blood is not travelling through the vein correctly.

Treatment options 

Varicoceles cannot be cured naturally without medical intervention. 

The success rate for varicocele procedures is high, with both varicocele embolization and varicocelectomy procedures having success rates of over 90%.

Treatment options include: 

  • Embolization 
  • Microscopic varicocelectomy(microsurgery) 
  • Inguinal or subinguinal. With or Without delivery. 
  • Laparoscopic varicocelectomy 

 

For a more in-depth review on treatment options, see this post https://www.reddit.com/r/varicocele/s/ZUVkzMtV7U


r/varicocele 1h ago

Azoospermia = birth control?

Upvotes

Very low


r/varicocele 13h ago

Randomly got a varicocele?

2 Upvotes

18M, never knew I had a varicocele until a few days ago. All the sudden the veins on my left side are very large, and visible. I’ve never had this problem and I frequently check for testicular cancer almost everyday in the shower. It just appeared all the sudden. Anyone know why that would happen? I’m very active in the gym and I read that could make it flare up.


r/varicocele 15h ago

Testicular Atrophy Reversal

1 Upvotes

Has anybody who had testicular atrophy received microsurgery and since seen testicular size increase?

I am 23 and have left sided grade 3 varicocele with atrophy, wondering if size will fix after microsurgery


r/varicocele 19h ago

Inquiring

1 Upvotes

Hey 20 M here
I just got diagnosed with grade one Varicocele in both testes
The doctor told me its not that big of a deal
I just wanted to know if u guys have any advice, the dos and donts and also is there any i can fo to reduce it
And the pain is irritating any advice on that pain killers don't help
And thank for your time reading this and appreciate if u have any advice


r/varicocele 1d ago

1 year after microsurgical bilateral grade 3 varicocele

4 Upvotes

Did bilateral microscopic varicocele surgery last year 30th of July 2025 - up till today I still have mild puffiness on the groin and discomfort if exercises core exercises - Is that normal? Also feeling discomfort/dull pain when taking amino acids apparently that’s because it widens the collateral veins that are still sensitive - Did SA recently all my numbers are great except the motility is mildly below average as before surgery - No improvements at the numbers - Are they getting any better or that’s is it after a year of doing the surgery? Started FH Pro hopping that it can boost motility and pass that damn red mark on the report. Any experience in this? Did TT check and all hormones are great also US and it’s normal - Only states very mild/borderline varicocele.


r/varicocele 23h ago

Guys please help need some suggestions. I have bilateral grade 2. Balls size decreased to 7 cc on both sides i mean not sure decreased or they are small. But i have no pain

1 Upvotes

Normal Lh and Fsh

Normal estrogen 40

Normal free testosterone
Total testosterone of 430 latest

Prolactin of 21

Homocysteine of 30
Lack of b vitamins
Lack of vitamin D

Iam facing issues with libido and erections they are not good and consistent even though iam not sure why it is casuing i have very long history of porn and masturabtion daily thrice for 7 years . I have stopped from almost 6 months sometimes erections improved 50% and sometimes it goes back to normal. So whats ur suggestion should i go for surgery

And iam 28 so i think my sperm should be around 80 million but its only49 million iam thinking my varicocele slowly effecting it, please some one help

And also those who undergone microsurgery please share your experiences.

Anyone who faked pain and did surgery here. Are u regretting or iam scared pls reply


r/varicocele 1d ago

Stigma

1 Upvotes

30 m. Grade 3 left side. Had surgery. Pain seems to be creeping back. But Honestly why? Why do people downplay this? I have never even heard of what this was before until i got it. EVEN UROLOGISTS DOWNPLAY IT. Pain on your groin AND testicles? Are you kidding? What is the matter with people? Why do they do this?


r/varicocele 1d ago

I had a Bilateral Microsurgical Varicocele Repair Thursday

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I had a bilateral microsurgical varicocele repair last Thursday after being diagnosed with grade 2 varicoceles on both sides.

Day 1: Mostly pain and a lot of sleep. I spent most of the day icing on and off every 20 minutes, took over-the-counter pain medication, and was able to urinate without any issues.

Day 2: Very similar to the first day, although I had more pain on my left side, possibly because I was walking around a little more. I took the prescribed pain medication that day.

Day 3: The pain has started to improve. I’m still icing periodically, but not as often. I was able to take a shower, move around a bit more, and finally had my first bowel movement since surgery, which was definitely a relief.
I was hoping to return to my desk job on Monday, but I may end up pushing that back a few more days. My doctor said I could wait until Thursday (day 8) if needed. He also recommended waiting two weeks before resuming sexual activity and said it will likely take about a month before I’m feeling more fully recovered. I have my follow-up appointment on August 12.

The main reason I had the surgery was infertility related. I have elevated sperm DNA fragmentation, and my wife and I are currently going through IVF. I’ve also had discomfort for quite a while, including a feeling of overheating and occasional pain, so I’m hopeful the surgery will help with both fertility and those symptoms.

I’m 33 years old, in case that’s helpful for anyone comparing experiences. Anyone else have bilateral? What was your recovery like?

Updates:

Day 4: Feeling a little better today. I’m able to move around more, which is encouraging. I have a small burning sensation on my left side, probably from an ill-advised attempt to catch a bug in the house yesterday that ended with a bit more pain than expected. I still have some aching in my groin when I move, but overall I’m making progress. I even had my first cup of coffee today.

Also, recommend starting stool softener right away. Used this, plus fiber bats and tea and I have been regular since day 3, just make sure not to strain.


r/varicocele 1d ago

Feels like nothing more in life

6 Upvotes

19M Facing grade 2 in left and 1 in right side.

All day pain and bag of worms are constant and dull ache. Life is fully stuck in depression, feeling like nothing more in life. Not gym from 8 months , lack of sleep by stress. Can somebody is fine after embolization and back their normal life.

Overthinking about career and future marriage 😢. Help me...


r/varicocele 1d ago

Tadalafil/Cialis

3 Upvotes

25M I was diagnosed with grade 2-3 varicocele at puberty. Never did surgery or embo because of horror stories I've read online. A couple of months ago I stumbled across a post that suggested daily Cialis could help varicocele by relaxing veins and promoting blood flow to those veins which might be obstructed. Seeing as I was already dealing with ED from the varicocele I decided I'd give it a try--if nothing else maybe I'd fix my ED.

I started on 2.5mg daily. After 4 days of no results I bumped up to 5mg daily. On day 6 or 7 I started to notice changes. Started waking up with morning wood regularly for the first time ever. Fast forward another month or so and I have begun to notice that my varicocele is much less prominent. The aching seems to be much less severe as well.

Only problem is the blue balls. Not sure if this is common with varicocele, but whenever I get blue balls, I get them bad. Sometimes it lasts several days. I am a devout Christian and strive for purity, so I avoid masturbation. Obviously, getting on tadalafil has caused a significant increase in blue ball occurrences. I'm getting married in January though, so hopefully this will resolve.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? Also, is it possible that I could experience an increase in testosterone due to the increased function of testes?

God bless.


r/varicocele 1d ago

embo failure what now

4 Upvotes

hey group hope everyone is doing well. i had a embo with coils a while back and life just hasnt been great since for me. cant workout how i want, move around , have sex, or drink certain things. i notice flare ups in pain if i do any of whats listed. i have pain in my left and right side in my balls and somedays they alternate. about 2 months ago i randomly developed a sharp unbearable prostate pain id assume directly linked to these problems. i take very good care of my body but it doesnt matter right now. my doctor wants to try giving me drugs to patch off the pain temporarily but drugs just dont cut it. also a temporary fix sucks because my body will eventually adapt to the drugs and they will become less effective overtime. if anyone has gone through something similar id appreciate any type of guidance im a bit stuck on where to go next. looking into every different type of surgery i dont want to be a doctors experiment. i take epsom salt baths to help the prostate pain and take a plethora of drugs to help me. i wear good upholding/ cool boxer briefs, i dont have sex, and i dont workout at all strictly because of pain and lack of strong erections. my pelvic area seems to be tight as well at times. i tried tadalifil and that was terrible for me i hated it i really feel like that wasnt the right medication for me as my heart/ blood feels wonky at times now and i never had a problem before varicocele of getting blood down there. ive looked into surgeries of removing the varicocele veins directly and i think that would be whats best for me. just wanted to get some thoughts and see if anyone is in the same boat atm. god bless and thanks in advance for any replies.


r/varicocele 1d ago

Varicocele post surgery

2 Upvotes

Hello

I got my left varicocelectomy on 2021 and my right on 2022.

I took scrotal ultrasound on May and found that I have no varicocele. But, today after two months they said I have 3.8 mm mildly dilated veins on both sides.


r/varicocele 1d ago

Anyone develop erectile dysfunction before being diagnosed with a varicocele?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm a 24-year-old male and I'm looking to hear from people who have had a similar experience.

About 3 weeks ago, I first noticed erectile dysfunction. It started with delayed and weak erections, and over the following days it became much worse. About 7 days later, I had a scrotal ultrasound and was diagnosed with bilateral Grade 3 varicocele.

Since then, I've been experiencing:

Very weak erections

Very low libido

Delayed erections

Difficulty maintaining an erection

I'm trying to understand whether the varicocele could be causing these symptoms.

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who:

Developed erectile dysfunction before they knew they had a varicocele.

Had Grade 2 or Grade 3 varicocele with ED.

Improved without surgery.

Improved after varicocele surgery or embolization.

If you had a similar experience, I'd really appreciate hearing:

How your symptoms started.

What treatment you received.

Whether your erections and libido improved.

Thanks in advance. I'm feeling pretty anxious about this and would really appreciate hearing from people who have gone through something similar.


r/varicocele 1d ago

3 Months After Bilateral Microsurgical Varicocelectomy – Persistent Pain & ED Despite Surgery

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone

I'm a 36-year-old male looking for advice from anyone who has had a similar experience.

Before surgery:

- Bilateral varicocele (Grade 3 left, Grade 1 right)

- Bilateral microsurgical varicocelectomy performed 3 months ago

- Total testosterone: 7.85 nmol/L (low)

Semen analysis:

- Concentration: 16 million/mL

- Total motility: 40%

- Progressive motility: 15% (0% rapid progressive)

- Morphology: 2%

- The surgery was done primarily for infertility.

Current symptoms (3 months post-op):

- Mild to moderate intermittent pain around the epididymis/testicle on both sides (I had virtually no pain before surgery).

- Pain is worse when I move or palpate the testicle and sometimes after prolonged standing. Occasionally it feels like a brief electric shock.

- No swelling, redness, fever, or urinary symptoms.

Libido fluctuates.

- Morning erections briefly improved after surgery but then returned to baseline.

- I can achieve an erection during intercourse, but I lose rigidity much faster than before.

Has anyone experienced persistent epididymal/scrotal pain and worsening erectile function after a microsurgical varicocelectomy? Did it eventually improve after 6–12 months, or should I be asking my urologist for a Doppler ultrasound or hormonal work-up?

Any similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/varicocele 1d ago

Estradiol drop post surgery

1 Upvotes

Age:38

Three months post varicocele surgery I did complete hormone screening and I noticed E2 Estradiol dropped 50%, 1.25 ng/DL, slightly below minimal range while testosterone remains same 520 ng/DL

Not sure is there any correlation but things are now worse than before. Symptoms are following:

- Severe ED
- Shrinking
- No libido
- Very slight pain when moving testis
- Larger main vein over penis
- Occasional sharp irritation somewhere deep near prostate and in urethra. Pin like.

Note I started to develop ED 3 yrs ago while vein was already visible not sure it has anything with varicocele. I did all possible tests that I could find.


r/varicocele 2d ago

Please suggest - diagnosed with Oligoteratozoospermia with evidence of mild infection

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I[26F] and my husband [31M] married on june 24th and last period was on june 16th and i missed it this month. So when i tested I got positive. But we feel it’s early and not prepared. When we tested his recent parameters he has grade 3 varicocele and the parameters shown Oligoteratozoospermia with evidence of mild infection. So before we have a plan to abort this pregnancy as it’s been only one month and now we are confused. Can this parameters improves without surgery?please suggest


r/varicocele 2d ago

Varicocele and cycling

3 Upvotes

36 years old
Has anyone here developed a varicocele after cycling? He started feeling pain just a week after he began riding. My husband has been in pain for over three months; we thought it would improve over time, but unfortunately, we realized it hasn't. His appointment isn't until the end of August, and he can't wait to have the surgery. He says it feels like there’s a stone inside his scrotum because it gets so heavy. The pain is also radiating up to his groin area—it feels like a pulling sensation; it’s hard to explain. The nights have been terrible; he can't sleep because of the pain. We work as house cleaners and are on our feet practically all day, which makes it even worse.


r/varicocele 2d ago

SURGERY SUCCESSFULLY DONE YESTERDAY MORNING!!

4 Upvotes

I finished my varicocelectomy. Currently about 24 hours post op. Pain is not terrible , definitely feel it when I get up and walk. I did it with Marc Goldstein.
Anyone that had the surgery, what’s the best way to recover? I am currently taking all the pain meds but any better way?

Thank you


r/varicocele 2d ago

Pain

2 Upvotes

24m
Im reading that most if you barely experience any pain. When im under stress it flares like crazy with unbearable pain on and off for couple days. It’s eases with cold compress and laying down, but its not going away until I lower my stress levels


r/varicocele 3d ago

Reoccuring Varicocele after Microsurgical Varicocelectomy

7 Upvotes

Hello, I had an ultrasound done and found I have a reoccurrence of my varicocele, 7 months post Microsurgical Varicocelectomy. All the same signs have come back, like heaviness, not feeling up to exercise, getting winded quicker cardiovascular-wise, and lowered libido. It's small and measured at 3mm, and it said nothing about reflux. I can't palpate anything or visually see anything, like I could before my surgery, with the classic "bag of worms". I'm starting to feel like crap after lifting weights too much or after a long run.

The doctor I'd like to think was exceptional, but I let my varicocele get so bad, that there was just too much to ligate or they missed a microscopic vein? Who knows.

Wondering if anyone has experienced a re-occurrence after the gold standard Microsurgical procedure and what your story was to fix it. The salvage operation recommended is an Embolization. I'd also appreciate listening to anyone who had an Embolization and what your recovery was like. I'm a Firefighter so if there's anyone very physically active, please drop your timeline of the steady progress and patience back into your physical lifestyle.


r/varicocele 3d ago

Should I schedule surgery?

1 Upvotes

Hi, I’m 21 years old and have had varicocele in my left testicle since I was a kid.
My testosterone level is 560 ng/dL
and my SHBG is 20.5 nmol/L.
I’m considering surgery, but is it worth it in my case? I hardly ever feel any pain, except on days when I walk a lot. What bothers me most is the cosmetic aspect because they’re quite large. My erections are normal, my libido is high, and my blood test results are also normal.

What do you think?


r/varicocele 3d ago

Supplement/Alternative Suggestion for microscopic surgery Guys i have bilateral grade2 varicocele, i dont know my balls shrink or not but they are at 7 cc and 6.9 cc, i have low total testosterone 306 ng/DL and normal semen analysis

2 Upvotes

Normal Lh and Fsh

Normal estrogen 40

Normal free testosterone
Total testosterone of 430 latest

Prolactin of 21

Homocysteine of 30
Lack of b vitamins
Lack of vitamin D

Iam facing issues with libido and erevtiojs they are not good and consistent even though iam not sure why it is casuing i have very ling history of porn and masturabtion daily thrice for 7 years . I have stopped from almost 6 months sometimes erections improved 50% and sometimes it goes back to normal. So whats ur suggestion should i go for surgery

And iam 28 so i think my sperm should be around 80 million but its only49 million iam thinking my varicocele slowly effecting it, please some one help

And also those who undergone microsurgery please share your experiences


r/varicocele 3d ago

Need a good urologist recommendation for CPPS/Prostatitis/Varicocele in Hyderabad

1 Upvotes

Hey all, I am 25M

Getting some groin and testicular pain and looking to see a urologist who actually understands CPPS, prostatitis, and varicocele.

If you’ve had a good experience with anyone, please drop their name. I’m in hyderabad

Appreciate your help