Ask a doctor on the topic of Urology

Varicocele pain

February 6, 2022 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. Med. Thomas Kreutzig

Hello,

I have a varicocele (grade II, left side).

In the morning I have no pain, as it is completely emptied overnight.

However, throughout the day it fills up and I feel a pulling sensation on the varicocele itself as well as occasional pulling in the groin.

Although light support through underwear is recommended, it actually exacerbates the pain for me.

As soon as I wear underwear that supports the scrotum slightly, I feel a very uncomfortable pulling sensation.

Wearing loose boxer shorts reduces the symptoms. However, the discomfort is not completely gone.

The sclerotherapy procedure by Tauber has already been tried. Unfortunately, there was no improvement as the varicocele was not swollen at the time of the intervention. This was partly because the procedure was done in the morning, and also because I was lying down for some time, causing the swelling of the varicocele to decrease.

The treating doctor suggested that ligation of the varicocele through the groin could be attempted.

I am worried that the intervention may not be effective again, as the varicocele may not be swollen enough at the time of the procedure.

Therefore, I would like to hear your opinion on my problem.

Thank you in advance.

Dr. Med. Thomas Kreutzig

If the pain is actually caused by the varicocele, then surgery is the only option for treatment. Unfortunately, this can only be clarified in this way. Of course, irritation of a nerve can also cause pain. In your case, however, there is a lot to suggest that the varicocele is actually the cause of the pain. In addition to the surgery through the groin (according to Ivanissevic), there is also the method according to Berardi (high ligation) and retrograde sclerotherapy. Best regards, Dr. T. Kreutzig-Langenfeld