VARICOCELE...can it effect testosterone?

bpclipper10 said:
Regular. Got a gnarly 3 inch scar on pelvis. Recovery was rough swollen balls and discolored size of tennis balls but worth it nonetheless.
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Did they spare the testicular artery?

Tennis ball sized nuts sounds scary and painful.

If I am to have treatment, I think I would go for the embolization though I am not convinced it is a reliable or effective procedure.
 
Leon Kennedy said:
Did they spare the testicular artery?

Tennis ball sized nuts sounds scary and painful.

If I am to have treatment, I think I would go for the embolization though I am not convinced it is a reliable or effective procedure.
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I would say the embolization is effective. My down time was only two days, if that, with no pain. All the viens have subsided and there is also no scar. The only downside is having the coils in.
 
Leon Kennedy said:
Did you get T tests before and after?

The reason I ask is because I am considering whether or not to do the embolization. I will get a T blood test soon and will post the results on this thread.
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I only got the tests after unfortunately. For me, the procedure did not affect my hormones. I felt EXACTLY the same before and after. If I had gotten the tests before, I highly doubt there would have been much of a difference in the numbers.
 
eatdatshrimp said:
I only got the tests after unfortunately. For me, the procedure did not affect my hormones. I felt EXACTLY the same before and after. If I had gotten the tests before, I highly doubt there would have been much of a difference in the numbers.
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Thanks.

I got diagnosed with varicocele in 2001. I had the impression it was only on the left but it is actually on both sides, though worse on the left. A T test in 2008 showed a T level of 570 which was good. However, my testicles have shrunk (in my opinion). That's after over 10 years of varicocele. I am pretty sure that the varicoceles have caused shrinkage. Whether that shrinkage will continue or has reached equilibrium is anyone's guess.

I live in the UK and must deal with the NHS. I can't afford private care.
 
eatdatshrimp said:
I would say the embolization is effective. My down time was only two days, if that, with no pain. All the viens have subsided and there is also no scar. The only downside is having the coils in.
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What about the coils - do you feel pain or discomfort?

I read somewhere that it is possible that the coils might shift position and also I think they can't be removed once installed and that an unsuccessful embol may require surgery to ligate the veins.
 
Yea it was painful but it was worth it. And yes yet sparred the artery. It was not ideal and I didn't hear much in the way of embolism as an option so I just went with the sure thing. Haven't had any reoccurrences or issues. I wear the hock strap to avoid hernia and just for the sake o peace of mind.
 
bpclipper10 said:
Yea it was painful but it was worth it. And yes yet sparred the artery. It was not ideal and I didn't hear much in the way of embolism as an option so I just went with the sure thing. Haven't had any reoccurrences or issues. I wear the hock strap to avoid hernia and just for the sake o peace of mind.
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Is hernia risk increased following v surgery?
 
Leon Kennedy said:
Is hernia risk increased following v surgery?
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Not that I'm aware of but not many people understand the risk of hernia from serious training/lifting and sports. Severely underestimated. Consider that your deadlifting, squatting, cleaning, and pressing all that weight that's such a positive and great thing and were all jacked up and happy about but at the same time your balls are paying a price in a constant limbo of up and down and push and pull with every rep. Jock strap 'supports' them and holds them in a supportive position throughout your sessions and in sense protects them from dangers of hernias and as my doc tells me, apparently varicoceles as well.
 
My testicles have shrunk from the varicoceles. Often they are soft and they are at the bottom of the size range. They used to be bigger. If I have the procedure, whether embol or surgery, is it likely that the nuts will increase in size and firmness?
 
Leon Kennedy said:
My testicles have shrunk from the varicoceles. Often they are soft and they are at the bottom of the size range. They used to be bigger. If I have the procedure, whether embol or surgery, is it likely that the nuts will increase in size and firmness?
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My left one bounced back nicely. Production is up and running at full strength and no longer being choked by the veins.
 
I will be having my embolization in the morning. I'm a bit nervous about it. The radiologist mentioned me staying in the hospital overnight, but everything I have read says that's unnecessary.
 
80schild said:
I will be having my embolization in the morning. I'm a bit nervous about it. The radiologist mentioned me staying in the hospital overnight, but everything I have read says that's unnecessary.
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Good luck
 
Has anyone had their prolactin levels affected by the varicocele? I'm thinking about getting mine tested since my libido is low with high test.
 
I had my embolization yesterday and stayed in the hospital overnight last night. I'm not sure of its required everywhere, but I had to have a foley catheter put in and that was the most painful part. For the procedure I was given Dilauded, Zofran, and Verced. The procedure was completely painless, I barely felt any of it. After eating my diner last night I did get nauseous and had to call for more Zofran, not sure why.

The doc said I may have some pain in the next few days, but I honestly haven't noticed much. He told me not to lift anything very heavy for the next six weeks, nothing heavy enough to "make me grunt". My back hurts some, but I think it's from laying in that hospital bed so long.

Oh yeah, I do have some pain in my left side around where the coils are. I feel this only when I cough or start to sit up.
 
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80schild said:
I had my embolization yesterday and stayed in the hospital overnight last night. I'm not sure of its required everywhere, but I had to have a foley catheter put in and that was the most painful part. For the procedure I was given Dilauded, Zofran, and Verced. The procedure was completely painless, I barely felt any of it. After eating my diner last night I did get nauseous and had to call for more Zofran, not sure why.

The doc said I may have some pain in the next few days, but I honestly haven't noticed much. He told me not to lift anything very heavy for the next six weeks, nothing heavy enough to "make me grunt". My back hurts some, but I think it's from laying in that hospital bed so long.

Oh yeah, I do have some pain in my left side around where the coils are. I feel this only when I cough or start to sit up.
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I was wondering about going to the toilet...

Anyway, hopefully you have a good recovery.

I look forward to hearing how you progress as you heal. This is very valuable, to have a guy who's just had the procedure and be able to update us on the internet - you are probably the only guy doing that right now.
 
Leon Kennedy said:
I was wondering about going to the toilet...

Anyway, hopefully you have a good recovery.

I look forward to hearing how you progress as you heal. This is very valuable, to have a guy who's just had the procedure and be able to update us on the internet - you are probably the only guy doing that right now.
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Well, we had problems with my catheter, it kept leaking and they couldn't figure out why. Once I got to the to xray table they put a bunch of towels under me in case it leaked some more. Once you get the meds you won't care whether it leaks or not. They took the catheter out once I got to my room, then I just sat up and used a urinal. They gave me six hours to fill the urinal half way, or I would have had to have another catheter.

I haven't went #2 in two days, so now I'm taking some miralax (non stimulant) to ease that. You certainly don't want anything to make you cramp and strain.
 
Why did they want you to fill the urinal? Was it something to do with concerns about you being dehydrated?

If you don't mind me asking, what age are you, and what age were you when you developed the varicocele(s) and/or were diagnosed?

I am 30 and had the varicocele diagnosed in 2001 but was advised to just leave it... With small and often soft testicles, I am now very concerned. I will have T blood test next week.

Were your testicles small and soft? Did you have varicoceles on both sides or just the left side?

I might have a procedure done, probably embolization, but it won't be until next year as I have other things on this year I won't be able to get it done in 2012. Do you think another year would make much difference?

80schild said:
Well, we had problems with my catheter, it kept leaking and they couldn't figure out why. Once I got to the to xray table they put a bunch of towels under me in case it leaked some more. Once you get the meds you won't care whether it leaks or not. They took the catheter out once I got to my room, then I just sat up and used a urinal. They gave me six hours to fill the urinal half way, or I would have had to have another catheter.

I haven't went #2 in two days, so now I'm taking some miralax (non stimulant) to ease that. You certainly don't want anything to make you cramp and strain.
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They probably wanted to make sure my kidneys were functioning properly, since the contrast dye can be hard on them, I'm really not sure. You have an IV to prevent dehydration.

I just turned 33 four days ago. I've noticed the varicocele since my late teens, but it didn't start getting painful until about 29. I do believe that vein gets bigger and bigger as time goes on. If yours doesn't hurt now, it probably will someday. I didn't have any atrophy that I know of, in fact my left testicle always looked huge because of the varicocele. I can still see the varicocele now when I stand, but it's not swollen like its going to burst like before. I guess it's going to take time for it to go away.
 
Day three:

I notice a slight bit of swelling at my waistline on the left side. I was told the blood will start clotting around the coils and it will cause inflammation. Pain isn't too bad though.

Just a note, if you have ever had a CT scan done of your abdomen for kidney stone or anything else, make sure to get a copy to give to your radiologist, this helped mine out a lot. He ran into area where my artery made a weird turn, but he was able to go back and look at my CT and figure out exactly what catheter he needed to use and what size it needed to be.
 
My varicocele doesn't actually hurt that much. If I knew it was not causing decline in fertility, testosterone, and atrophy, I would not car about it. I can live with the mild discomfort from it, but not with the low T, if indeed that is the issue. I am pretty sure it has caused shrinkage. There doesn't seem to e any consistency between men - some have atrophy with a moderate varicocele, whilst others have a large varicocele with apparently no atrophy.

80schild said:
Day three:

I notice a slight bit of swelling at my waistline on the left side. I was told the blood will start clotting around the coils and it will cause inflammation. Pain isn't too bad though.

Just a note, if you have ever had a CT scan done of your abdomen for kidney stone or anything else, make sure to get a copy to give to your radiologist, this helped mine out a lot. He ran into area where my artery made a weird turn, but he was able to go back and look at my CT and figure out exactly what catheter he needed to use and what size it needed to be.
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I went for almost 15 years with no pain, then all a sudden it started hurting one day after jogging. I walked with a limp for almost two weeks.

I did notice last night when I got out of the shower that I felt really cold until I got dressed. Also when I undressed to go to bed I got cold and started shivering until I put a blanket over me. This is very unusual for me as im usually hot natured. I'll have to see if this continues.
 
That may be just side effects from the drugs used during the procedure. Of course, consult your doctor about any concerns you may have.

I feel really sad about my testicles. They have decreased in size and firmness since 2008. I remember what they were like then and they are much smaller now. Do you think the embolization would likely restore them to size?

80schild said:
I went for almost 15 years with no pain, then all a sudden it started hurting one day after jogging. I walked with a limp for almost two weeks.

I did notice last night when I got out of the shower that I felt really cold until I got dressed. Also when I undressed to go to bed I got cold and started shivering until I put a blanket over me. This is very unusual for me as im usually hot natured. I'll have to see if this continues.
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Is your varicocele big? Mine was so big it almost looked like I had two testicles on the left side. I can't really say about the firmness, I never really squeezed mine, hurt too bad.

I recommend making an appointment with an intravenous radiologist, mine was much more helpful than any urologist. Hate to say it, but the urologists in my area suck.
 
The varicocele on the left is not particularly big. Looking at the scrotum, the untrained eye would not notice anything untoward. The left veins are enlarged, but are not usually painful. On the right, the varicocele is not as pronounced and only give pain occasionally. The varicoceles are sometime sore in the morning on waking, probably as I've lain awkwardly, or else following exercise, such as jogging without support, or doing weight training or crunches. It might also hurt if I jump from a height.

I take it you are in the USA. I'm in the UK, having to deal with the NHS. I'll be lucky if I get referred to anyone. I may have to ask for a private referral and pay for that myself.


80schild said:
Is your varicocele big? Mine was so big it almost looked like I had two testicles on the left side. I can't really say about the firmness, I never really squeezed mine, hurt too bad.

I recommend making an appointment with an intravenous radiologist, mine was much more helpful than any urologist. Hate to say it, but the urologists in my area suck.
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Yeah, I'm in the US. Luckily my insurance approved my procedure (only because of pain), but I was prepared to pay for it myself if need be. If it were for infertility reasons I'm sure they would have denied it.
 
hoping some varicocele veterans can chime in here...i had varicocele surgery exactly 3 months ago. My recovery went well, i've been lifting, and biking for some time now...

My question is this - is it normal, due to the obvious trauma of the surgery, to still have tenderness/lingering pain in the testicle, even 3 months after? my left nut is still sensitive if i brush it, etc...I mountain bike, and thus on technical sections of a trail i try to stand, etc, but it's definitely not fun to have it react just when i adjust myself in my seat etc...

I don't head back to the doc for another month. Is lingering tenderness normal after 3 months?
 
The answer to the question whether varicocele can affect testosterone appears to be a resounding but qualified yes. According to the seemingly excellent research I posted in a thread entitled varicocele and the cause of BPH, varicocele profoundly increases prostate testosterone levels by more than 100 fold. The same researchers have found that people with varicocele tend to have lower serum testosterone levels. This may be caused by either testicular damage from the varicocele or screwed up feedback loops from the very high local testosterone concentrations.
 
mooney said:
hoping some varicocele veterans can chime in here...i had varicocele surgery exactly 3 months ago. My recovery went well, i've been lifting, and biking for some time now...

My question is this - is it normal, due to the obvious trauma of the surgery, to still have tenderness/lingering pain in the testicle, even 3 months after? my left nut is still sensitive if i brush it, etc...I mountain bike, and thus on technical sections of a trail i try to stand, etc, but it's definitely not fun to have it react just when i adjust myself in my seat etc...

I don't head back to the doc for another month. Is lingering tenderness normal after 3 months?
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I am not a doctor, so take what I say as a pinch of salt. It may be that you will be left with a greater sensitivity to pain after the surgery. It might improve or it might not. That's not telling you anything you don't already know. :-)

I would say that cycling is not a great activity for a man. There is a risk of serious injury, especially from the type of biking you're doing. The injury may be to the nerves and arteries supplying the penis. Info here: Invalid Link Removed

hitest said:
The answer to the question whether varicocele can affect testosterone appears to be a resounding but qualified yes. According to the seemingly excellent research I posted in a thread entitled varicocele and the cause of BPH, varicocele profoundly increases prostate testosterone levels by more than 100 fold. The same researchers have found that people with varicocele tend to have lower serum testosterone levels. This may be caused by either testicular damage from the varicocele or screwed up feedback loops from the very high local testosterone concentrations.
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Interesting theory. Here's a link to that post: http://anabolicminds.com/forum/male-anti-aging/206906-varicocele-cause-bph.html

A lot more research is needed so that men can get the treatment they need for this problem.
 
i'll hope that it goes away eventually i guess...i didn't really know that this might be part of the deal or anything.

My penile arteries are in great health. Biking is a wonderful activity to keep fit, challenge yourself, increase your nitric oxide and blood flow, and lessens some of the pounding that running puts on your joints. You have to seriously bike a TON to get into trouble with going numb down there. I mean, all men are different, but....Hey - all i know is that when you watch bike races, you often times see the winner on the podium with his wife and kids. And these are guys that spend countless, countless hours in the saddle. Yet they're still getting it done :) Plus, i did get a "sack friendly" saddle not long ago. split nose, stunted nose as well.
 
It is my fear that any procedure to correct V could leave me in more discomfort than before, not to mention the risk of injury to the veins or arteries from embolization or surgery. It reminds me of the story of the dog with the bone looking into the pond and seeing his reflection.
 
Leon Kennedy said:
It is my fear that any procedure to correct V could leave me in more discomfort than before, not to mention the risk of injury to the veins or arteries from embolization or surgery. It reminds me of the story of the dog with the bone looking into the pond and seeing his reflection.
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I have no pain in my testicles at all so far. The only pain I have is slightly above my groin on the left side (similar to hernia), where the coils are, and a slight amount of swelling. This is only due to that vein being blocked which causes it to get inflamed. It should start dying and my body will absorb it, then the pain should go away.

I think theres less risk of injuries to arteries with embolization versus surgery. You don't have to worry about forming hydroceles either.
 
Leon Kennedy said:
Are the coils big? I thought they were tiny, but veins can be quite big. What if the coils move out of place?
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I don't think the coils are very big, I actually lifted my head a few times and watched him put them in, and they looked like thin wires. They basically wad up into a ball in some spots, the blood then clots around coils and the vein gets blocked and starts dying off. Eventually there is no more vein around the coil because your body has absorbed it, so theres no chance the coil can move.
 
mooney said:
hoping some varicocele veterans can chime in here...i had varicocele surgery exactly 3 months ago. My recovery went well, i've been lifting, and biking for some time now...

My question is this - is it normal, due to the obvious trauma of the surgery, to still have tenderness/lingering pain in the testicle, even 3 months after? my left nut is still sensitive if i brush it, etc...I mountain bike, and thus on technical sections of a trail i try to stand, etc, but it's definitely not fun to have it react just when i adjust myself in my seat etc...

I don't head back to the doc for another month. Is lingering tenderness normal after 3 months?
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It took close to 6 months for it to pass for me along with the veins shrinking. It wasn't the same ache just very tender all the time...it even hurt to shake after peeing...
 
thanks...yeah, i didn't actually have ache from the varicocele prior to the surgery. Now, like you say, i have tenderness, 4 months on - left nut. Good to hear that it's simply a matter of giving it more time (hopefully) for total heal/no more ache.

thanks for chiming in.
 
Guys, I'm feeling a bit confused about who said what, when, so bear with me as I ask this one question, and maybe some of you can't answer it, but if you had any testicular atrophy, did it improve post-embolization, and was there any change in T levels?
 
Leon Kennedy said:
Guys, I'm feeling a bit confused about who said what, when, so bear with me as I ask this one question, and maybe some of you can't answer it, but if you had any testicular atrophy, did it improve post-embolization, and was there any change in T levels?
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i have no idea if i had that...i doubt it...they seem to be a decent size. i had it done for fertility and a hope the fix might jump my low T levels at least a bit.

i'll never know if it helped T levels, because at the same time i started on Clomid, which raised my T levels by like three fold. So unfortunately i'll never know how much, if at all, the varicocele surgery affected that.
 
mooney said:
i have no idea if i had that...i doubt it...they seem to be a decent size. i had it done for fertility and a hope the fix might jump my low T levels at least a bit.

i'll never know if it helped T levels, because at the same time i started on Clomid, which raised my T levels by like three fold. So unfortunately i'll never know how much, if at all, the varicocele surgery affected that.
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Were you on PeakT's forum too? I think I may have spoken to you there too.
 
An update.

I'm on my eighth day since my procedure. Most of the swelling and soreness around the coils has gone away. I get a little pain ocassionally in the groin that only lasts for a few seconds, I assume this is from the veins not getting blood anymore. Before, I could take a hot shower after a long day and those veins would be REALLY swelled and engorged like they were about to burst, but that's not the case anymore. I can still feel the veins in there a little bit, but I think it takes a while for them to be absorbed by my body. The temp of my scrotum has been reduced too, it used to always feel hot and sweaty, but now it feels more normal.

So far the emobolization was worth it.
 
80schild said:
An update.

I'm on my eighth day since my procedure. Most of the swelling and soreness around the coils has gone away. I get a little pain ocassionally in the groin that only lasts for a few seconds, I assume this is from the veins not getting blood anymore. Before, I could take a hot shower after a long day and those veins would be REALLY swelled and engorged like they were about to burst, but that's not the case anymore. I can still feel the veins in there a little bit, but I think it takes a while for them to be absorbed by my body. The temp of my scrotum has been reduced too, it used to always feel hot and sweaty, but now it feels more normal.

So far the emobolization was worth it.
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Great to hear it 80schild. I look forward to your coming updates, especially as you reach and go beyond the 3 month mark!
 
Day 10...

Im a little worried today. I did some outside chores today, mowed the grass, washed my car, etc.... It was pretty hot outside, so I came back in to take a shower and noticed a little swelling in the same old varicocele area, and the left testicle was hanging low again. The veins feel dilated again, although not quite as bad as before. I'm also noticing a small soft lump in that area, but I can't tell if it's maybe the blood clotting or fluid buildup. I do have that famous "dull ache" again too.

I sure hope it isnt coming back. I was pretty hopeful until today.
 
Day 10..... way too early to worry. It will take 6 months or more to really shrink. They will still swell at times since you just blocked a 1 way path to your renal vein. Fortunately there are a lot of alternate 1 way paths to use as well until the embolized swollen veins go away.
 
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