Intellectual
New member
So went to the urologist this morning, the tests that he ordered were psa, cbc, testosterone, tsa, hbc1a and creatinine. Also scheduled for ultrasound.
VARICOCELE...can it effect testosterone?
- Thread starter Hyde12
- Start date
festivus162
New member
..................
southpaw41
New member
Hi everyone I wanted to give an update. Due to two poor sperm tests I decided to go with the surgery. FYI I’m 22 and have (well hopefully had) grade 2 left varicocele. I had conventional inguinal done last Thursday (2-11-10). Thankfully there were no complications during the surgery and I’m in the process of recovery. So far just the normal stuff… trouble walking around, getting up, scrotal swelling, etc. I did have a few questions/concerns for anyone who can give me any advice.
First I have read in this thread that having sex or masturbating too close to surgery can cause an unnecessary re-occurrence. How long would you recommend to wait before engaging in sexual activities. I will bring this up to urologist when I meet with him in two weeks but was thinking at least one full month. What do you think?
Second I like to keep in shape and was wondering how long to give myself before returning to the gym. Again I was thinking at least one month and starting with light cardio and moving into light weights as the weeks pass. What exercises would you recommend? Perhaps there is another thread on this site about this kind of thing..
Finally as the days pass and swelling decreases in my scrotal area I am noticing excess skin in that area. My left nut hung lower than my right prior to surgery and it’s still about the same just seems like there’s more skin this time around. Is there anything I can do to “tighten” up that area? Idk are there any lotions out there or anything that could help with this?
Thanks
First I have read in this thread that having sex or masturbating too close to surgery can cause an unnecessary re-occurrence. How long would you recommend to wait before engaging in sexual activities. I will bring this up to urologist when I meet with him in two weeks but was thinking at least one full month. What do you think?
Second I like to keep in shape and was wondering how long to give myself before returning to the gym. Again I was thinking at least one month and starting with light cardio and moving into light weights as the weeks pass. What exercises would you recommend? Perhaps there is another thread on this site about this kind of thing..
Finally as the days pass and swelling decreases in my scrotal area I am noticing excess skin in that area. My left nut hung lower than my right prior to surgery and it’s still about the same just seems like there’s more skin this time around. Is there anything I can do to “tighten” up that area? Idk are there any lotions out there or anything that could help with this?
Thanks
Augustus
New member
Why don't you explain it to me then Dr.
20% of all men have a varicocele, so why don't 20% of all men have low testosterone, or fertility problems?
A varicocele are enlarged veins that surround the spermatic cord; so at worst a varicocele can affect fertility; however testosterone is created inside the testicles by Leydig cells. Most all men have two testicles anyways, and almost all varicoceles occur on the left side, but not both sides; and even the guys who only have one testicle, rarely complain of low testosterone symptoms. The only way a guy is gonna get low testosterone from a varicocele is if it's large enough to encompass both testicles completely, so that the temperature in the testicles are so high that it kills off a substantial amount of Leydig cells in both testicles. That would have to be a HUGE varicocele, and would causing extreme pain too say the least.
Persplagon
New member
I waited a month before starting to work out again. I took it really easy and didn't strain myself. It was about 1.5 months before I squatted because of how much strain it puts on the body.
As for tightening up the skin you could try wearing supportive underwear for awhile. It seemed to help me but I didn't have a huge difference in which hangs lower.
DavidKay
New member
I had a vericocelectomy two days ago. I had a grade III+ vericocele and decided to have the surgery because of low T levels (350 total) that could not be otherwise explained. I had the surgery at Cornell and my doctor is optimistic that I could see hormonal changes as soon as a week after surgery. My low testosterone symptoms mainly are depression and low libido. The libido has been progressively declining for maybe the past 5-6 years (I am now 28). My very first night back from surgery I had a very vivid sexual dream, much more than anything I have had in a long time. I'm not sure what to expect, but after reading through all the posts on this giant thread, I have not seen anyone give specific numbers for pre and post operative testosterone levels. It would be nice to hear if anyone has had specific blood work done before and after the surgery to see if there has been any difference in his/her testosterone levels. When I get my blood work done again next time, I will inform everyone on whether there was an increase or not, and what this increase was.
Intellectual
New member
I have an ultrasound procedure scheduled for next friday, are there any activities that aggravate the varicocele because I feel that mine only gets thick as a pencil after sitting for 5-6 hours and normally its extremely small.
I think I might do some heavy squats before I go in for the ultrasound because if the urologist says he won't operate because its too small, it will drive me over the edge specially since I know how ****ty my overall condition has become since I got the varicocele.
I think I might do some heavy squats before I go in for the ultrasound because if the urologist says he won't operate because its too small, it will drive me over the edge specially since I know how ****ty my overall condition has become since I got the varicocele.
southpaw41
New member
So it has been almost 2 weeks since my surgery and I’m unsure what to think (had grade 2 on the left, easily visible to the naked eye).. I believe all of the swelling has gone away and my scrotum is pretty much adjusted to things. My incision is still a little swollen but thankfully I have almost no pain/discomfort. The varicocele seems to have decreased in size and no longer “sticks out” as much as it did before therefore is not as noticeable. But this is exactly my question/concern, should I notice anything ??
What is a successful varicocele surgery suppose to look like? I understand they are tying off the artery that feeds the affected veins, essentially deflating them (at least with conventional inguinal approach which is what I had). This means these litigated veins are still present in the scrotum correct? Therefore I will notice these “deflated” veins? It no longer feels as much like a bag of worms like it once did but I can still feel unusual veins on the left side. Is this normal or too early to tell?
I meet with my urologist for the first time since the surgery on Thursday so I will bring all of this up but so far I am glad I went through with this.
What is a successful varicocele surgery suppose to look like? I understand they are tying off the artery that feeds the affected veins, essentially deflating them (at least with conventional inguinal approach which is what I had). This means these litigated veins are still present in the scrotum correct? Therefore I will notice these “deflated” veins? It no longer feels as much like a bag of worms like it once did but I can still feel unusual veins on the left side. Is this normal or too early to tell?
I meet with my urologist for the first time since the surgery on Thursday so I will bring all of this up but so far I am glad I went through with this.
DavidKay
New member
Sounds like we had our surgery around the same time. It's been 10 days since my surgery. I had a III+ vericocele and had it removed using the micro surgical technique. I believe the answer to your question is that once the veins die (this happens in the first 24 hrs) then its just a matter of time for them to be absorbed by the body. They do not stay there forever. In fact, unless I am mistaken they could be absorbed within a couple of months.
Did you have an hormonal changes as a result of the surgery? I noticed changes right away. The very first night I had an insanely vivid sex dream and have had constant erections since the surgery. I haven't worked out yet so I don't know how this will manifest in the gym. I also have not taken new blood tests yet to check my T levels and see if they have gone up as a result of the surgery, though i'm sure they have given my personal experience.
Did you have an hormonal changes as a result of the surgery? I noticed changes right away. The very first night I had an insanely vivid sex dream and have had constant erections since the surgery. I haven't worked out yet so I don't know how this will manifest in the gym. I also have not taken new blood tests yet to check my T levels and see if they have gone up as a result of the surgery, though i'm sure they have given my personal experience.
southpaw41
New member
Yes I heard a couple of months as well before everything settles.. I had my 2 week check up at my urologist on Thursday during which he felt the veins on my left side and asked if there was any pain while he was doing so. I told him no pain only slight discomfort. Every since the appointment swelling has returned to the region and I have been icing myself again. I really hope this is just swelling and not a reoccurrence.
As far as hormonal changes I have been experiencing sexual dreams at night and more morning wood than before surgery. But I still don’t really get any spontaneous erections during the day.. Then again I have not ejaculated since before surgery which will be 3 weeks now this coming Thursday. Im not sure if I should wait the full month or just do it soon because im getting really anxious.
As far as hormonal changes I have been experiencing sexual dreams at night and more morning wood than before surgery. But I still don’t really get any spontaneous erections during the day.. Then again I have not ejaculated since before surgery which will be 3 weeks now this coming Thursday. Im not sure if I should wait the full month or just do it soon because im getting really anxious.
dcoxd21
New member
I have a massive varicocele and I have had blood tests etc. My testosterone results come back as 23.3 nmol/l. The range in the document states 9.4nmol/l - 60nmol/l. Have no experience in testosterone levels but I look low compared to the range. Not sure what to do as I get no pain with mine but do have massive lack of libido.
DavidKay
New member
Why are you waiting to mastrubate? Masturbation doesn't have anything to do with your surgery. If your able to mastrubate without pain then I don't see why you don't do it. You shouldn't have sex for the first week but that is because you might hurt your testicles from the motion and everythign like that. Where did you have your surgery done?
DavidKay
New member
That was my symptom as well. I had low testosterone for my age, but my only symptom was no libido. I just didn't have interest in sex. The surgery has had a positive effect on this.
dcoxd21
New member
I dont understand the range I was given. I have just found that I can convert 23.3nmol/l to ng/dl by doing 23.3 x 28.8 = 671 ng/dl. This appears to be normal. Not sure where the upper range of 60nmol/l comes from because that would be 60 x 28.8 = 1728 ng/dl. Could this be a typing error?
shaunC
New member
All,
I am having ED problems and am wondering if anybody has any good advice. I went to a general doctor and my labs came back with testosterone of 320 and TSH 1.8. He said I was "normal" but for a 29 year old I have read that this is low. Recently while having sex (cialis) I noticed a swollen node over/behind my left testicle. While researching this I found information about varicoceles. Is it possible that there is a connection between my ED, TST and possible varicocele? Is there anyway to be sure? I have read through these posts quickly and did not see any examples of people who had surgery to correct this and later got higher TST values... Should I just get an ultrasound? Who administers that, a urologist? Thanks.
I am having ED problems and am wondering if anybody has any good advice. I went to a general doctor and my labs came back with testosterone of 320 and TSH 1.8. He said I was "normal" but for a 29 year old I have read that this is low. Recently while having sex (cialis) I noticed a swollen node over/behind my left testicle. While researching this I found information about varicoceles. Is it possible that there is a connection between my ED, TST and possible varicocele? Is there anyway to be sure? I have read through these posts quickly and did not see any examples of people who had surgery to correct this and later got higher TST values... Should I just get an ultrasound? Who administers that, a urologist? Thanks.
dcoxd21
New member
Sorry to keep asking the question but does anybody shed some light on my testosterone levels of 23.3 nmol/l ? If I look on the internet it seems to be in range, but the results show a range of 9.1 - 60.0. I had a test done two months ago at a different place and it was 20.1 nmol/l, and the results showed a range of 8.1 - 28.8. Anybody got any ideas?
Going to urologists tomorrow to discuss the different methods of getting rid of it.
ps may sound like a daft question but has anybody noticed any difference in their nob after getting surgery, in terms of the size when flacid etc?
Going to urologists tomorrow to discuss the different methods of getting rid of it.
ps may sound like a daft question but has anybody noticed any difference in their nob after getting surgery, in terms of the size when flacid etc?
shaunC
New member
Thank you. I intend to get to the bottom of this: I assume I need to request an ultrasound? I have seen a lot of posts indicating "vericocele type 2 or 3" etc, and assume this is a determination made by a urologist using an ultrasound? I have actually often noted a low-level, dull type of pain behind both of my testicles for a few years. I discovered the "bag of worms" behind both of my testicles (though larger on the left) around that same time. I even remember mentioning it to a doctor who was performing a test for testicular cancer and he just waived it off. It is clear this subject is not getting the attention it deserves. I will report back.
Intellectual
New member
I did my ultrasound on Feb 26, I am meeting with the urologist this Monday to get the results.
Viper Six
New member
I feel like the negative effects created by the varicocele that cause low testosterone can be countered with medication. Considering I have poor erection quality and small case of gyno I feel like testosterone is being converted somehow to estrogen. Is this possible? How could one approach this without going under the knife? Also, has anyone experimented with supplements? Anybody tried tribulus...considering our testosterone is on the lower range of normal?
Intellectual
New member
Ok so saw the Uro again and he said the blood work came back normal (wtf I feel like ****) but anyway the ultrasound did show a "small" varicocele and the hospital is going to embolize it within the next 2-4 weeks. So I'm semi happy at the moment.
UKROB
New member
I am 23 years old and have also been diagnosed with a grade 3 varicocele on the left side WITH testicle shrinkage on that same side, so it is smaller than my right testicle. I have had this since about 16 years old.
I'm going to have embolization procedure done, on april 16th. I live in Canada, and here it is covered by OHIP.
I am wondering who here has had experience with embolization? I have read most of this thread, but many people at the start of this thread had mentioned they had surgery, which is more likely to lead to future complications than having embolization done, according to my research.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
My sex drive is generally ok, i am horny often, although sometimes I occasionally do have ED problems. But thankfully this is not too often. My testosterone levels were checked recently, and they were in the normal range, although the "lower" end of this normal range. I dont have the exact figure in front of me.
I'm very nervous about the surgery. But i don't want to risk not being able to have kids in future, especially since i have ran 3 cycles in the past. It took me 2 years to get this surgery date and now im almost having 2nd thought.
I had a semen test done about just under 2 years ago, it was post cycle and my results indication good motility but low semen!! This was post cycle, maybe not enough time after cycle. I have yet to go for a secondary semen test, which i will do soon (in the next week or 2) I will notify you all with the 2nd semen test result (PRE SURGERY) and then again post surgery. Including hormone levels.
Again i would love if someone had experience and feedback regarding their embolization procedure.
Thanks
I'm going to have embolization procedure done, on april 16th. I live in Canada, and here it is covered by OHIP.
I am wondering who here has had experience with embolization? I have read most of this thread, but many people at the start of this thread had mentioned they had surgery, which is more likely to lead to future complications than having embolization done, according to my research.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
My sex drive is generally ok, i am horny often, although sometimes I occasionally do have ED problems. But thankfully this is not too often. My testosterone levels were checked recently, and they were in the normal range, although the "lower" end of this normal range. I dont have the exact figure in front of me.
I'm very nervous about the surgery. But i don't want to risk not being able to have kids in future, especially since i have ran 3 cycles in the past. It took me 2 years to get this surgery date and now im almost having 2nd thought.
I had a semen test done about just under 2 years ago, it was post cycle and my results indication good motility but low semen!! This was post cycle, maybe not enough time after cycle. I have yet to go for a secondary semen test, which i will do soon (in the next week or 2) I will notify you all with the 2nd semen test result (PRE SURGERY) and then again post surgery. Including hormone levels.
Again i would love if someone had experience and feedback regarding their embolization procedure.
Thanks
GwaiLo
New member
I have had a small varicocele for about a year in the veins going to my left testicle. The urologist I saw said he would do nothing about it because it was too minuscule. I am 20 years old and have had my testosterone checked and it was at about 330ng/dl. It was in the low end of the normal range for the lab test but IMO that is extremely low for a 20 year old. Once again the urologist didn't feel the need to put me on TRT or fix the varicocele. He even told me that varicocele's dont effect T levels... Do you think a varicocele could be causing this or could it be a pituitary problem. What would you guys recommend I do? Get a full hormonal test?
UKROB
New member
It's hard to say if it's the varicocele causing the lower level of testosterone.. or the pituitary. But if you want to get something done about the varicocele, you have to say it's affecting you life negatively, like pain for example. Or they won't treat it. Even if you are in the "lower end" of the normal range for testosterone, they don't consider this to be "wrong"..
TRT in my opinion is a bad option, that should be a last resort. That will only shut your natural testosterone production down even more, you might as well be on a cycle then.
Getting full hormonal bloodwork done is a great place to start. Test, LH, FSH, TSH, etc.
Im getting an embolization done in about a month for my varicocele, im waiting to hear back experiences on that, from ppl on this board. Although I do have shinkage of my left testicle due to this, and it's stage III. Im 23 years old, I think it's a good idea to get it fixed, to prevent future problems and fertility issues.
Intellectual
New member
UKROB I'll let you know how my procedure goes if I get it before you and how the hell did you wait 2 years for it? Guess I was lucky to get in within 2-4 weeks.
UKROB
New member
honestly it was combination of slow doctors and i guess me too, because i have been really busy with school the last couple of years. It was about 2 years ago when it was identified, and after referrals, ultrasound, bloodwork etc. about almost 2 years has past.
Are you going for embolization?
When is it scheduled for?
Im april 16th, in the morning.
The only thing im kinda worried about, is the spring ever dislodging and migrating to the heart, which would be a serious problem.. big time. I can't find any but 1 documentation on this ever happening, so it's happened once i believe.
But you have to imagine, these springs have to stay put from now until you die basically, through all of your heavy weight training sessions, impacts to the stomach, falls, blood pressure changes etc. If they dislodge, it's a myocardial infarction or pulmonary infarction that will occur i believe, and thats about as bad as it gets. Thats the only thing worrying me about the procedure.
GwaiLo
New member
Ok, Thanks for the support I will try and get the full hormonal bloodwork done but a doctor also told me those are expensive; I'm not entirely sure how true that is, but I'll keep you posted on the results. What exactly is an embolization I thought surgery was the only way to get rid of a varicocele...
southpaw41
New member
The embolization procedure places a spring in the spermatic cord. It’s done by a radiologist (not a urologist) and is less invasive than surgery. Based on this thread though I would go with the surgery (it seems there is a lesser risk of reoccurrence). Go for the microscopic inguinal approach if you can find a reputable doctor that can do it.
Erran
New member
Hey dude! I had the embolization done when I was about 16 ( I am 23 now, like you). My concern was always mostly cosmetic, that is the varicocele caused my scrotum to hang low. The embolization did not make my varicocele go away, and it seemed to be it was about the same as before the surgery (still is). However, it was an easy, painless procedure which only took an hour or so, and I could go home the same day. I think the risk of anything going wring with this procedure is very small, and it does not leave any scar. It didn't work for me, but perhaps it would for you.
UKROB
New member
Wow that sucks that the procedure didn't work for you. It's weird because this procedure has like a 90something% success rate.. So im really hoping when i get it done, that it works.
Did you go back for follow up's?
Erran
New member
Sorry for the late reply, haven't been online for quite some time and been very busy. Anyway, yeah I was disappointed that the procedure didn't work, but figured it was nothing I could do about it and that my problem was comparetively small anyway (what matters after all is that the stuff is functioning well, which it certainly does). Been back for follow-ups several times though to enquiry whether I could have the surgery done, but they told me it was too small for surgery (strange, since the bag of worms is quite big while I am standing). Hope the procedure works for you and that you'll have this problem resolved. What are your concerns anyway? Only based on fear of not being able to father children?
Intellectual
New member
So I finally had my embolization yesterday and i'm extremely disappointed, according to the radiologist he had to embolize 3 veins and was successful with only one of them. Now I have to visit the Uro again to discuss what to do next. GRRRR.
The procedure itself was very comfortable and there was no pain other having to lay flat on my back without moving right leg for 4 hours which was really annoying.
The procedure itself was very comfortable and there was no pain other having to lay flat on my back without moving right leg for 4 hours which was really annoying.
UKROB
New member
wow that doesn't make any sense at all... this procedure has a 93% success rate or something like that.. according to statistics and almost everybody on this board has had an unsuccessfully embolization procedure... makes no sense at all! Who the hell are you guys going to??????????
Im getting mine done on the 16th of this month, apparently this guy is very good. but thats according to the docs here in Canada. I really dont wanna have it done period if it's not going to work... **** it!
Intellectual
New member
The 90% or so success rate is after the coils have successfully been inserted, the radiologist said he was not able to get the catherer inside the incompetent veins :[. He said embolization is not possible in a certain percentage of men because of their particular physiology. BTW I'm in London, Ontario.
Don't worry though, he said out of hundreds of procedures I was the only person he couldn't do and according to him normally its a piece of cake. So now I have to go back and depending or my urologist decision either try it again or go for actual surgery.
If you can do me a favor when you're in the operating room just mention my case and see what your radiologist has to say about it and post it here. You will be able to chat with him during the entire procedure.
UKROB
New member
yea i know thats true i could definitely talk to him for you and i would. but i'm literally about 1 second away from cancelling my procedure (covered by OHIP), because i CANT find one single ****ing success story online anywhere!?
I mean seriously how the hell can they say 90% or so and I can't even find anybody saying the procedure went well for them.......
I dunno what do do... I'm really wanting to cancel now, or postpone to a later date until i feel i have enough evidence to convince me that this procedure is worth it.
Another thing that really bothers me is that the fact that, these surgeons say that "these springs" will stay put in your body all of your life!, and there is like a 0.1% change of them migrating to the heart.
Firstly, I'd like to point out that there has been about 1 or 2 documented cases of migration of these springs and this happening is potentially fatal and most likely will be fatal. I study health care (undergrad), so I know what im talking about.
Secondly, they assume that we are a bunch of couch potatoes that sit around all day, and maybe occasionally go for a jog/run. WRONG!! I put my body through serious physical stress. I lift extremely heavy in the gym, I run, I ride sport-bikes, I snowboard, I wipe out. And during the course of my life i expect many physical traumas to happen to my body and rapid changes in blood pressure due to heavy weight lifting, impacts etc.
I'm certain they don't take this active kind of lifestyle into account. And who is to then tell, with all this physical stress/trauma, that the spring won't move and migrate to the heart/lung. And then, next minute your dead, from cardiac infarct. Doc's gonna say "umm, thats weird, very rare, lets document this, next.."
Intellectual
New member
"It requires a significant degree of technical expertise, and may not be performable in as many as 30% of patients." Referring to Embolization
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
Jayrod
New member
I have a TSH of 7.4,
normal T3 and T4,
Total Testosterone of 348
Free Test of 7.8.
I've had a Varicocele on the left side since I was 19, I'm 27 now. I think I have smaller one on the right side too now. Is there any relation between a high TSH and low Testosterone with Varicocele?
I want to get surgery to fix the Varicocele, but I'm looking for more evidence that it will help the T levels. I've felt absolutely horrible for the past two years. I'm thinking of getting on T Gel now just so I can start feeling better. I feel so crappy that I don't even know if I could handle the surgery.
normal T3 and T4,
Total Testosterone of 348
Free Test of 7.8.
I've had a Varicocele on the left side since I was 19, I'm 27 now. I think I have smaller one on the right side too now. Is there any relation between a high TSH and low Testosterone with Varicocele?
I want to get surgery to fix the Varicocele, but I'm looking for more evidence that it will help the T levels. I've felt absolutely horrible for the past two years. I'm thinking of getting on T Gel now just so I can start feeling better. I feel so crappy that I don't even know if I could handle the surgery.
GwaiLo
New member
Finally got my blood work back not really too sure about the results even though they all seem to be in the normal range anyway here they are:
Testosterone - 14.10 [5.80-28.00 nmol/L]
Progesterone - 1.66 [0.86-2.90 nmol/L]
Estradiol - 98 [40-161 pmol/L]
Sex Horm Bind Glob - 13.0 [13.0-71.0 nmol/L]
Free Androgen Index - 106.0 [14.8-94.8] *** Not sure of the units but there is a note saying free testosterone is no longer available because it has been replaced by free androgen index which is a better measure of bioavailability of testosterone***
FSH - 2.3 [1.4-18.1 U/L]
LH - 4.8 [1.5-9.3 U/L]
I highlighted the ones I am concerned about red because they are on the lower end of the spectrum. If any of you could shed some light as to why these hormones may be out of whack would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Testosterone - 14.10 [5.80-28.00 nmol/L]
Progesterone - 1.66 [0.86-2.90 nmol/L]
Estradiol - 98 [40-161 pmol/L]
Sex Horm Bind Glob - 13.0 [13.0-71.0 nmol/L]
Free Androgen Index - 106.0 [14.8-94.8] *** Not sure of the units but there is a note saying free testosterone is no longer available because it has been replaced by free androgen index which is a better measure of bioavailability of testosterone***
FSH - 2.3 [1.4-18.1 U/L]
LH - 4.8 [1.5-9.3 U/L]
I highlighted the ones I am concerned about red because they are on the lower end of the spectrum. If any of you could shed some light as to why these hormones may be out of whack would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
shaunC
New member
Yo, I just wanted to post an update to readers of this thread. I am suffering from pretty severe ED and have a low testosterone. A while ago I noticed a painful, swollen bump on my left testicle and thats when I read about vericoceles. Based on recommendations from this group I went to a urologist, and had an ultrasound done. I was initially told I am "normal" and "don't have cancer or anything like that." Only when I asked if I have a vericocele he said yes a "slight vericocele" on my left testicle, although he does not want to operate on it. Separately, I was given clomid by an endocrinologist and after a month my testosterone went up to 740. However, other than higher aggression, I don't really feel much different: my ED has certainly not gone away. I am not quite sure what to do next, I am still investigating a lot of things but wanted to provide this update for you guys. I'm sure my story about the urologist sounds familiar to some of you...
UKROB
New member
I cancelled/postponed my varicocele embolization procedure, due to the fact that I have read numerous complaints from people on this board of the procedure not working for them.
I just however got some blood test results back very recently and im not happy with them at all.
Test: 15.4nmol/L (Range: 8.4-28.7) (this is in the lower range)
DHEA-S: 3.0 umol/L (Range: 7.6-17.4) (this has been low for several years for me now)\
LH and FSH were ok. although still pretty low too:
LH: 3IU/L (Range: 2-6IU/L)
FSH: 3IU/L (Range: 2-8IU/L)
I will have to see an endocrinologist about my DHEA-S, this should not be low at my age of 23. And my test should be much higher for my age also. If you look at this chart attached in the link below, these are the average testosterone levels in relation to age, as you can see my levels are BELOW the 75-84 age range.. and this is multiple tests, not just 1...
(www)mens-hormonal-health.com/normal-testosterone-levels.html
So now I'm now reconsidering the embolization and also referral to a endocrinologist...... to have my adrenal functioning checked..
After doing some more reading I am 100% convinced that my adrenal DHEA-S is low because of my varicocele, cortisone is probably raised due to the problem with the varicocele, reducing the ability of the adrenals to make DHEA. If i tested my androstenedione levels, i could imagine they are high due to the overactive adrenal system, but because the lydig cells are damaged the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone is limited, and more is being converted to originiall E1 and then to E2..
time to have all these values laid on paper.. rebook my embolization procedure, do some bloodwork and of course sperm test to cover that area too.
i'll keep you guys updated
I'm starting to wish i hadn't cancelled my varicocele embolization appointment now.
I just however got some blood test results back very recently and im not happy with them at all.
Test: 15.4nmol/L (Range: 8.4-28.7) (this is in the lower range)
DHEA-S: 3.0 umol/L (Range: 7.6-17.4) (this has been low for several years for me now)\
LH and FSH were ok. although still pretty low too:
LH: 3IU/L (Range: 2-6IU/L)
FSH: 3IU/L (Range: 2-8IU/L)
I will have to see an endocrinologist about my DHEA-S, this should not be low at my age of 23. And my test should be much higher for my age also. If you look at this chart attached in the link below, these are the average testosterone levels in relation to age, as you can see my levels are BELOW the 75-84 age range.. and this is multiple tests, not just 1...
(www)mens-hormonal-health.com/normal-testosterone-levels.html
So now I'm now reconsidering the embolization and also referral to a endocrinologist...... to have my adrenal functioning checked..
After doing some more reading I am 100% convinced that my adrenal DHEA-S is low because of my varicocele, cortisone is probably raised due to the problem with the varicocele, reducing the ability of the adrenals to make DHEA. If i tested my androstenedione levels, i could imagine they are high due to the overactive adrenal system, but because the lydig cells are damaged the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone is limited, and more is being converted to originiall E1 and then to E2..
time to have all these values laid on paper.. rebook my embolization procedure, do some bloodwork and of course sperm test to cover that area too.
i'll keep you guys updated
I'm starting to wish i hadn't cancelled my varicocele embolization appointment now.
UKROB
New member
UKROB
New member
You need to have you're DHEA-S tested also to test the functioning of your adrenal cortex. If you look at my test results above thats what im experiencing.. do you have a varicocele?
GwaiLo
New member
Ya I see that our levels are around the same for alot of the tests. And yes I do, I was told that it is a small one but still causes pain and discomfort, low libido, and I also feel drained all the time and the urologist thought it was too risky to do surgery :S I'm thinking if they won't do anything about the varicocele why not get the hormones straightened out. It must be hard to get a referral to a endocrinologist when the levels are low but still in the range of the accepted levels. Was it hard for you and when you did talk to one did they say everything's fine and dismiss your concern. I sure as hell don't wanna wait 5 months and have the endo talk to me for 5 mins and say deal with it...
Imeniaan
Active member
it is not the embolization, it's a superior technique where fluid is injected into an artery. you should not comment that quickly, because it's obvious you have never heared of it.
it's only perfomed in ramat gan, israel and it's the best method for varicocele treatment bar none.