Varicocele and Testosterone in FERTILE men?

[MrManGuy84]

Hi guys,

Young guy here with low T. Been reading a lot of studies about how a varicocele can lower testosterone and that surgery often helps. Nothing really new there.

However, all the studies I find are always for INFERTILE men. Presumably because this is the usual symptom one goes to get the surgery for. I am wondering if anyone has information regarding T levels before/after varicocele correctin in FERTILE men.

I wonder about this because I have a varicocele, and my T levels are below normal, but my sperm anylysis shows that in that area I'm doing great.

Does anyone have any insight on this?

I have seen some evidence in the studies I've read that it can affect one more than the other (sperm or test). However I've yet to see any information regarding if it can effect only testosterone or only sperm. And of course sometimes they're supposed to be asymptomatic.

Makes it a bit of a question mark as to whether pursuing surgery would help at all. Although it does ache a little sometimes.

Sigh... one of many questions and possible explanations to discuss with the doctor when I finally get in.

Thanks.

[ZombieFred]

Varicoceles are very common in men; most probably don't even realize they have them. I have a minor one, and I experienced aching balls fairly often the last few years. When I asked my doctor about its effect on fertility, my doctor checked my testicle and said not to worry, it would have to be a lot worse to cause problems. Once I found out my total testosterone was 188 and read up on the subject, I realized the ache was from the low T and not the varicocele. Surgery is apparently pretty simple, if you have insurance, anyway, but I would treat your low T before worrying about testicle surgery. The ache I had is basically gone. (I say "basically" because I'm still trying to get my estrogen levels under control, but the ache is 99% gone.) Hope this helps. And you can also try a cold compress against the family jewels.

[MrManGuy84]

Varicoceles are very common in men; most probably don't even realize they have them. I have a minor one, and I experienced aching balls fairly often the last few years. When I asked my doctor about its effect on fertility, my doctor checked my testicle and said not to worry, it would have to be a lot worse to cause problems. Once I found out my total testosterone was 188 and read up on the subject, I realized the ache was from the low T and not the varicocele. Surgery is apparently pretty simple, if you have insurance, anyway, but I would treat your low T before worrying about testicle surgery. The ache I had is basically gone. (I say "basically" because I'm still trying to get my estrogen levels under control, but the ache is 99% gone.) Hope this helps. And you can also try a cold compress against the family jewels.

Thanks Fred. Did your testosterone production improve after surgery?

[lovbyts]

I had a varicocele removed about 10 years ago but I have no idea what my test levels were before and only found out they were low 5 years later. Mine was a little larger than my testicles. Wife use to say she could always identify my body if needed by having 3 balls. lol

Mine became painful where I felt like I was kicked in the groan about ever 2 weeks and it would hurt for days so it was time to go. Insurance covers it and I had not much discomfort or problems after except when my stitches started to rip from going jet skiing just over a week after surgery. lol

The doctor told me though I would be pretty sore and it's nothing like a vasectomy (which I had done at the same time) where they just make a small cut. With the varicocele removal they have to cut the ball sack from front to back down the middle and pull everything out onto a table to remove the varicocele. He said there are two parts of the body that swell a lot when exposed to oxygen, the brain and balls/testicles. Personally it was not nearly as bad as he said or I expected but I have always had a high pain tolerance. Ice will be your friend for a few days if you get it removed.

OHHHH sorry after a little research and checking my records mine was a spermatocele, little bit of a difference, same general area. lol

[ZombieFred]

Thanks Fred. Did your testosterone production improve after surgery?

I never had the surgery. Mine was/is just a small lump, not visible, so really not too much of an issue. It was something I found out about when researching possible causes of the occasional aching in my scrotum. I should add that TRT without HCG as well as low T itself can both cause aching balls. Of course, symptoms vary from person to person.

[Viking13]

Proud owner of one and also have low t. However, I was still able to impregnate the wife despite the odds. I do not however think that it has much if anything to do with my low t.

[beeasy1689]

I am also a young dude (23) and have a varicocele. I have just had my test levels checked and im waiting for the results, although I'm almost positive I am on the low side. I dont really have a steady PCP, and the doctor that i just saw is a woman so I dont think she is going to be too likely to help me with TRT. Not sure what my plan will be if I have no luck treating the low T (if i do have it) but we will see. Also, to be honest I was scared to death of having my ballsack chopped open (i know im a ***** lol) but now that ive had it for a couple years I really just want to get rid of it, and hopefully it has a good effect on low T symptoms. Oh by the way Im a newbie and any advice on my first cycle would be must appreciated. Ive been doing a lot of reading on here to get informed because i want to do this right the first time. Thanks.

[dave900]

I'm in the same boat, have variocelles and low t. Awaiting for next urologist appointment to see what my new urologist will say about variocelles. My old doctor didn't think the surgery would really help my low t symptoms. I mean, other than varioceles , I don't know what else would cause low t, I don't have a pituitary tumor and I've been taking 5k of vitamin D for weeks and have no improvement in libido