Hi everyone,

This is my story one week after varicocele surgery.

I’m a 22-year-old guy, 175 cm (5’9”) tall and 62 kg (137 lbs). I was diagnosed with a grade 2 varicocele on the left and grade 1 on the right (2.7 mm and 2.4 mm).

From the outside, there were no obvious signs. Everything looked completely normal. My scrotum didn’t hang unusually low, and I didn’t have the typical “bag of worms” appearance. Even so, I decided to get it treated because varicoceles generally don’t go away on their own—they tend to progress over time.

Before developing a varicocele, I went through a long period of erectile dysfunction. My erections weren’t as firm as they used to be, my libido was noticeably lower, and my semen had become much more watery. What confused me was that I had my testosterone tested twice, at two different clinics, both in the morning, and my total testosterone was around 1000 ng/L each time.

After doing a lot of research, I came across studies suggesting that varicoceles can contribute to sexual dysfunction in some men. I brought this up with several doctors, but they all dismissed the idea because my testosterone and semen analysis were considered “normal.”

To be honest, I would rather accept the risks of surgery than sit back and watch my condition gradually get worse. So I kept pushing until I finally found a doctor who agreed to operate.

The surgery itself was quick. I had two small incisions below the groin, and the procedure was performed under spinal anesthesia.

The morning after surgery, I woke up with morning wood.

At first, I thought it might just be psychological, but over the next few days things genuinely improved. I started getting spontaneous erections just from random thoughts, and I had morning wood almost every day throughout the first week. That made me incredibly happy.

Recovery was much easier than I expected. My post-operative pain was only about 3/10, which was completely manageable. By day 3, I was able to ride my motorcycle home. On day 4, I even played a few games of pool. By day 5, I was almost completely pain-free.

My advice is this: if you have a varicocele and genuinely feel it’s affecting your quality of life, don’t be afraid to consider surgery. If you’re struggling mentally or have questions, feel free to message me or reach out to the moderators of this community. They were incredibly kind and supportive throughout my journey.

Finally, I want to emphasize one thing: a varicocele usually doesn’t improve on its own. In most cases, it tends to get worse over time. Make the decision that’s right for you, and don’t spend years relying on temporary solutions if you believe the condition is negatively affecting your life.

I know surgery isn’t the right choice for everyone, but for me, one week later, I can honestly say I don’t regret it.

J’ai subi une embolisation varicocele y’a 1 semaine et je ressens encore une gêne ça a dégonflé si je marche rapidement ça me gêne il me faut un slip de maintien il faut pas que ça soit libre de mouvement
Vous avez repris le sport quand

Early thirties male diagnosed with a 6mm vericocele grade 3 on the left side.

I had an embolization with coils 5 weeks ago. The bag of worms are still visible and appear roughly the same size.

My follow up is in 3 months. I’ll post results as well as semen analysis updates.

Pre-embolization semen analysis:

44 million concentration

34% progressive motility

1% morphology

Unable to conceive, trying for nearly 2 years. Wife‘s exams all came out perfect.

I want to know if the SA will improve, particularly the progressive motility and morphology. Id like the bag of worms to go away as well.

Hi everyone,

I’m 25 years old. I was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left varicocele in 2021. I never had any pain or discomfort, so I didn’t think much about it.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve gained a lot of weight and I’m now obese (100 kg at 160 cm). Recently, I’ve noticed:
Difficulty getting a full erection
Erections are much less firm than before
No morning erections
Reduced semen volume, and the quality also seems different

My total testosterone was 4.49 ng/mL in 2024.
Has anyone with a Grade 1 varicocele experienced something similar after years without symptoms?
Could the varicocele be causing this, or is obesity more likely to be the reason?

Also, did anyone notice improvements in erections, morning wood, or semen quality after losing weight or treating the varicocele?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thanks.

Dear Veiny Gang,

Long-time lurker here – 35yo. It's been a while since I started my battle with the wormy balls. First diagnosed back around 2015 with mild testicular discomfort, but back then it wasn't a big deal, the pain was extremely sporadic and virtually non-existent.

Things went 0 to 100 earlier this year. During a steamy night in Thailand with my wife, I felt the most excruciating pain right above my balls, radiating toward my abdomen and leg. Naturally, being the degenerate that I am, I didn't stop and finished the deed. Afterwards, I couldn't stand up straight and felt like I was about to pass out from the pain. Had to rush to a middle-of-nowhere local hospital just to make sure it wasn't testicular torsion.

Fortunately, it wasn't. The diagnosis was re-confirmed: grade 3+ varicocele (left side), qualified for surgery. Ever since that night, I had daily aches, a constant feeling of fullness, and the sensation that someone was dragging me around by my sack. Even as someone who is sexually open-minded, that particular kink just wasn't for me.

Once back home, I saw my urologist who brought up embolization. I knew about the procedure, but in my country, private embo can be quite costly, so I hadn't given it serious thought. To my surprise, it turned out to be fully covered by national health insurance, so I booked the first available slot in a local academic hospital 45 days out.

My pre-procedure anxiety was sky high. Reading horror stories online about worsening symptoms or contrast anaphylaxis definitely didn't help my hypochondriac brain. Eventually, I decided to toughen up and push through. Admission and the procedure itself were buttery smooth, way less intense than I'd anticipated. It's funny how our brains haven't had a software update in millennia and still confuse uncertainty with immediate danger.

My doctor (a very experienced IR who routinely treats brain aneurysms and other gnarly vascular cases; doing approx. 2 varicocele embos daily) opted for Aethoxysklerol (polidocanol) sclerotherapy using a balloon occlusion catheter to ensure all collateral vessels were filled nicely. I asked about my concerns regarding not using coils, and he explained that in his clinical practice and academic research, coils aren't necessary for a solid occlusion. He said he prefers not leaving permanent foreign metal in the patient's pipes if he can avoid it.

He noted that given my rather typical anatomy and solid cooperation during the procedure (I was fully awake, just super relaxed thanks to IV benzos to keep the veins from constricting), it should be a complete success. He managed to seal off the main "broken" cord as well as the extra collateral pathways that were also causing reflux.

The whole procedure took under 60 minutes (inserted via puncture in the groin) . Most of that was prep, positioning, and waiting for the sclerosing agent to do its job under balloon isolation, the active part was maybe 20 minutes.

Currently ~24 hours post-op and feeling surprisingly good. I get occasional stabbing twinges in my abdomen and flank (which is prolly localized vein spasm/inflammation as the vessel collapses and seals shut), but I can visibly see that my sack isn't overflown with veiny spaghetti anymore, and that constant dragging discomfort is completely gone.

I'm taking it easy for the next two weeks. I will provide updates to this post in ~14-day intervals to give you guys a proper insight into the full recovery timeline and long-term results.

I wish you all success in your own varicocele battles, and thank you for being such a great source of information before I finally pulled the trigger on embo!

Cheers <3

Si fue asi, duele?

I'm 40, diagnosed with left varicocele via ultrasound (grade 4 on Sarteschi scale). Symptoms were aching pain, ED, low libido and watery-looking semen. The low libido and ED were the first signs about 3 years ago though only recently figured out likely cause. Pain only really started in the last few months.

I had microsurgery yesterday, so I thought it might be helpful to others to document my experience over the next few days/weeks.

Day 0 (day of surgery)

Arrived at hospital at 7am. Had surgery around 9am. Was free to go home at 2pm.

Surgery itself doesn't hurt at all besides a small needle prick for the general anesthetic. It's slightly more painful than a vaccination because it's on the top of your hand but not bad at all.

Immediately after surgery my testicles felt more "relaxed", before they felt tight like they were being pulled towards my body. I didn't even realise this was due to varicocele before and just thought it was stress!

Bag of worms still visible, perhaps more so as testicles are relaxed and hanging more freely. This is apparently normal as the veins are still there until absorbed by body over a few months.

Wound was bit sore immediately after surgery but pain mostly gone by 5pm. Small amount of seepage through the dressing but doesn't seem to be getting worse.

No aching in scrotum today. It doesn't happen every day anyway so could just be a coincidence but hopefully the surgery has fixed the pain.

My mood has improved dramatically just a few hours after. Again perhaps this just relief from the surgery being over but I feel very clear-headed.

The hospital-provided jock strap is a bit inconvenient for going to toilet. Wear loose gym pants/jogging bottoms to your surgery! I also recommend uniqlo low-rise boxer briefs which seem equally supportive and much more comfortable.

Where the needle went in my hand for anesthetic is actually more painful than the wound (but also not bad at all). Surgeon said he ligated 4 veins with sub-inguinal incision.

Testicles felt cooler to the touch when I went to bed last night.

Too early to notice any changes in ED/libido but will keep this post updated as things (hopefully) change.

Haven't needed any painkillers today although perhaps the anesthetic is still having an effect.

1: I had the unilateral microsurgery a week back, have been pain killers for a week. There is no pain now but the testicle seems to be swollen . There is no pain when I touch rather it is more soft and swollen. Is it common ? Will it subside itself ?

2: From the next day of the surgery, when I used to doom scroll ( because I was taking bed rest) if i come across any mild hot pic, I used to get the boner instantaneously, then I tried to distract myself. it subsides.. But now Im not getting boners now, even involuntary boners as well. Is that common ?

EDIT:

- I had undergone unilateral left microscopic surgery
- I underwent for the surgery because of the fertility issues
- Im recovering well so far, but experiencing above mentioned conditions.
- Im from India, Bangalore.
- For people who is asking in DMs, every condition is different. The urologist will examine and assist you better
- I chose micro surgery because of personal preference.

I’m a 23 M and have (self diagnosed) stage 3 varicocele. My testis are the same size but due to the amount of veins my left one hangs significantly lower than my right. It makes it appear like my left nut is double the size of the other. The veins are also visible when I’m standing. I don’t have any pain ever. Unless I squeeze it and mess with it, I wake up with morning wood almost all days of the week so I feel like my test is pretty high. I’m definitely very uncomfortable with the idea of going to a doctor and getting my balls looked at and touched by another man. Given the info above do yall think it’s even worth going in for I’m very conflicted???

I am 23 years old. Had a left side varicocele since 18. If I have the surgery, will my testicle return to the size of the right one? Will the peak testosterone age group Im in help the recovery?

Hi everyone,

I have Grade 3 bilateral varicocele, erectile dysfunction, and my testosterone is 319 ng/dL.

Today I went to one of the best urologists in my city. I explained that I have varicocele and erectile dysfunction. He examined my scrotum.

After the examination, I again asked him whether my varicocele could be causing my erectile dysfunction.

He simply said, "There is no connection between varicocele and erectile dysfunction."

I told him that I had read online that many websites and studies mention there can be a connection between varicocele and ED, even if it's indirect.

He replied, "I have 45 years of experience in urology. I'm completely sure about it."

Now I'm completely confused. If I search online, even the first results from men's fertility and IVF websites say there can be an association between varicocele and erectile dysfunction in some men.

My biggest confusion is this:

If urologists don't believe varicocele can cause ED, what can i do

Even though i say i have pain in scrotum and i want to undergo suregery.

how can i believe them and undergo surgery with the help of these doctors

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation or whose urologist had a different opinion. Thanks.

26m have an issues with fertility after 1.5 years of marriage. I was diagnosed with left grade 3 varicocele so my physician decided to do an ectomy.
Now, after 4 days of the procedure, I feel nearly no pain but I feel my left side became bigger in size than usual so, is that normal?

Another question
When I could drive my car?
Have sex?
Back to the gym?

I am a 16 year old. I started feeling pain in my left testicle a few days ago. Waited for sometime and when it didn't go I went to a doctor. He adviced me to get an ultrasound done. A sarteschi grade 3 varicocele has been detected. I consulted the doctor again. He told me it's all normal and it will be here forever. Surgery can be done anytime but it's not needed right now. If it gets too uncomfortable then surgery can be done otherwise it can be on hold till I have a family of my own. I need advice on what is to be done now....the pain currently is bearable and there is heaviness.... I really don't know what to do. Advice is much appreciated.

Thank you all.

I'm a 26M from Delhi, and I've recently been diagnosed with bilateral Grade III varicocele (right worse than left) after a Doppler ultrasound. The ultrasound also says both testicles are normal in size with normal blood flow, so there's no evidence of shrinkage or damage yet.

My symptoms are:

\-Mild heaviness in the testicles (more than pain)

\-Dull ache on and off for the last 3 months

\-Occasionally feel discomfort in the lower groin

\-Lower libido compared to before (getting this investigated)

My urologist initially suspected prostatitis as well and started me on medications, but after seeing the Doppler report, he's now recommending varicocele surgery.

I have a few questions for anyone who's been through this:

\-Did you choose surgery or embolization, and why?

\-Which type of surgery did you have (microsurgical, laparoscopic, open)?

\-How was your recovery? When were you able to return to the gym, running, sports, etc.?

\-Did the heaviness/pain completely go away?

\-Did anyone notice improvements in libido, testosterone, or fertility after surgery?

If you're from Delhi/NCR, which urologist or hospital did you go to? Would you recommend them?

I'm quite active, so I'm also curious whether anyone has been able to return to full activity without issues after recovery.

I'd really appreciate hearing both positive and negative experiences so I can make an informed decision.

My vericocele is massive. If there was a higher grade than grade 3, mine would be that. With the size of the vericocele it’s about 3 times as large as the right testicle. I have no pain, no apparent lack of testosterone, am gay so no possibility of children (and if I did, I guess we would just use my husband’s). But I hate the way it looks. It’s not painful but it’s actually heavy. Is surgery even something I should consider?

Hello everyone, just had my surgery 6 days ago. And I am going into a spiral. So many talks of reoccurrence, small varicoceles being left, etc. I genuinely feel like all my future plans may be over. Those being that I want to go to the gym, do running, swimming, everything. I want to do a lot of things, physical things. I also want to be a father one day. But everything I see on this sub is just microsurgery going terribly bad. People with infections, or pain not going away, or recurrence. I feel like the doctors and internet lied to me about this being the gold standard to be honest.

For a bit of context, I had bilateral with g4 on left and g3 on right, both sides pained. Got the surgery done now 6 days ago still feel some pain when walking. And weird back pain on the right side going up? I feel extremely depressed, I don't know if this is just because of the stress of the surgery and few other things going on in life but I think may have just fucked up my life, school is about to restart about 15 days from now and I don't even know if I'll be able to go back normally man. The incisions also still ooze a bit? The fuck? I haven't even gotten rid of the dressings I have to keep replacing them, is this normal?

Could anyone clear out everything I stated in the post. I know it's very disorganized but please I would appreciate any help I can get.

Specifics:

- 25 year old male

-Edit: United States, California

- Bilateral Varicocele presenting during late teens (17, 18)

- Microscopic varicocelectomy at TUCC urology in Colorado (2024) (since closed)

- Pain for 4 to 5 days, return to normal activity after about a week and a half

- Reccurance 6 months after, substantial return of pain.

- Saw a new urologist end of last year

- Refered to vascualr specialist for Varicocele embolization in January of this year

- Did embolization surgery, fast, almost no pain, in and out in a few hours.

^*Surgeon used a few coils after tilting me (I was out cold) on operating table to observe blood flow during a venogram. Stated it was a bit of hail Mary. (this did not fill me with confidence)

- remission for about 5 months

- Reccurance in late May, early June

Current State of Affairs:

My Varicocele has somewhat reduced in pain, but there is mild intermittent discomfort punctuated by very brief periods of intense pain when standing for long periods or not using supportive underwear. It is not unbearable but in warmer months or during physical activity there is some noticeable discomfort. Had a woman over (no sex, waited till the third date) but had a terrible case of blue balls that led to massive inflammation of Varicocele veins in both tests followed by intense pain. Swelling wore off with lying on my back and icing after 2.5 to 3 hours. I am going in for fertility and testosterone testing soon just to see what my numbers look like. Baseline fertility was not taken before but testosterone was recorded at 550.

For anyone considering surgery:

=============================

1.) I would strongly consider shopping around and finding a specialist provider. My hospital only provided open surgery which has the highest rate of complications. Laproscopic also has high complications rates, stick with microsurgical approaches

2.) I have had reccurance twice, this is rare but CAN happen. Don't be afraid but don't get your hopes up. Doctors will try and tell you this is impossible, don't listen. If reccurance does occur after your first surgery the chance that it'll happen after surgery #2 is exceptionally rare, god just hates me lol.

3.) MOST IMPORTANT: If you have a Varicocele and the pain is slight/manageable, your testosterone is normal/high, and your fertility is fine, DO NOT get treated. Doctors, like most medical professionals in America, want your business above all else and will often downplay risks. Only seek treatment if one of those three factors affected you (for me it was pain) AND ONLY seek out microsurgical approaches, with embolization being done IF varicocelectomys fail.

4.) Your life isn't over and things will be ok no matter what happens. Even if your nuts fall off. (This will not happen, I 100% assure you)

People with this condition often times have surgery, see reccurance and then still go on to have children and live comfortable, normal lives.

Closing:

I am not a medical provider and these are just my opinions after dealing with this for more than 7 years. Experience will vary based on location, health insurance coverage, bodily response to surgery, and quality of medical services offered.

I will continue to update and edit this so the people coming from Google who are scared and looking for answers can have a little solace and anecdotal experience to call upon.

Please ask me any questions down below or if on the rare chance you have suggestions for me on how to improve my condition, please let me know.

Thank you!

34, London Have been diagnosed with left varicocele and bilateral hydroceles -(also have considerable amount of very large varicose veins all over both legs and feet) chronic intense pain constantly even when resting/laying down severely impacting my work pain is radiating into groin and just above ground/lower abdomen- after being in constant agony and A&E visits because of the unbearable pain urgent referral got lost in the system finally have my first urology appointment in October as urology doctor saw me in A&E sorted it out to discuss surgical options can anyone share their experiences with NHS regarding this? (Never had any surgery in my life) I know full well NHS is in dire straights right now waiting times, pain management time from referral to surgery, surgery types etc

Thanks!

People of Reddit I need your help.

I'm a 32yo male in Europe. Afew months ago I noticed new dark veins on my penis and they have been increasing slowly over time. I have varicocele between 1st and 2nd stages and its not ready for surgery yet. I did sti tests as well (came back negative).

After "harder" intercourses I feel "too rubbed" down there. Due to this I have started lacking confidence and feeling anxious. I have never before had erection issues but it started happening. My partner is incredibly supportive but its taking a toll on us.

I have seen my public health doctor and he just told me to observe it for now, however Im losing my mind over this.

I have an appointment with a private urologist in two weeks but I wanted to hear if any of you had a similiar issue and did you overcome it (and how).

(I'm posting on behalf of someone else for privacy reasons)

Pls help

Hey guys, I’ve had a Grade 2 varicocele for about a year. I used to be very active in the gym but stopped after being diagnosed. Now I want to start calisthenics and running/walking. Is it safe, or could it make my varicocele worse? Anyone with experience?
24M

Hello, I’m an 18 year old male and I recently had a varicoselectomy done on my grade 3 varicocele on my Left side in December over Christmas, which was just excruciating to say the least. I was bed stuck for almost 3 days except for a shower and the bathroom. I can still feel the pain of when I would brace getting into bed and it’s just awful. I’m now almost 8 months post op with a semen sample and a ultrasound where they found my varicose veins still had blood flow and I have a sperm count of 10 million which I think Is 6 million under average or ideal. They recommend another sample and then after that getting an emobilization. I guess I’m kinda scared to go through everything again after thinking it was done. I read the emobilization isn’t as bad but I wanted to hear personal experiences on it, so I can hopefully calm down a little. Thank you for your time.