Varicocele: Symptoms, Pain, and Testicular Atrophy Concerns

Varicocele

Hello, doctor.
I have been diagnosed with left-sided varicocele.
Initially, I experienced tightness and occasional pain in the affected area.
1.
I feel a dull ache in the groin, and my left leg also feels sore, with each episode lasting about an hour.
Gradually, the symptoms changed, and now I have a sensation in my testicle without pain.
After about a day, I started to feel pain in the pubic symphysis.
Are the soreness in the groin and left leg, as well as the pain in the pubic symphysis, related to the varicocele? I read that there could be testicular atrophy.
2.
When I saw the doctor, he mentioned that my left testicle is smaller than the right.
Will the testicular atrophy continue to progress? 3.
Currently, I have mild pain and discomfort near the groin area.
Is this related to the varicocele? Thank you, doctor.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/22

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello, I have been diagnosed with left-sided varicocele.
Initially, after learning about the symptoms, the affected area felt tight and sometimes painful.
1.
I experience a dull ache in the groin and some discomfort in my left leg, which lasts about an hour each time.
Gradually, the symptoms evolved to a sensation in the testicle without pain.
After about a day, I started to feel pain in the pubic symphysis.
Could the groin discomfort, left leg soreness, and pain in the pubic symphysis be related to the varicocele? --> The left leg soreness and pain in the pubic symphysis likely have little relation.
After reviewing educational materials, I learned that testicular atrophy can occur, but only in some severe cases.
2.
When I saw the doctor, he mentioned that my left testicle is smaller than the right.
Will the testicle continue to shrink? --> It is normal for testicles to vary in size, and did the doctor confirm that it is atrophy? 3.
Currently, I have a mild, dull pain near the groin area on the left side.
Is this related to the varicocele? --> It is likely related.
Please pay attention to lifestyle precautions.
If the pain becomes severe, seek medical attention and medication.
If it continues to recur frequently, surgery may be necessary.
However, if lifestyle precautions are not followed, recurrence after surgery is still possible, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/09/22

More Info

Varicocele, a condition characterized by the enlargement of veins within the scrotum, can lead to various symptoms and complications, including pain, discomfort, and potential testicular atrophy. Understanding the relationship between your symptoms and varicocele is essential for managing your condition effectively.

1. Symptoms and Pain: The symptoms you describe, such as a feeling of heaviness or dull pain in the groin area, left leg discomfort, and pain in the pubic symphysis, can indeed be associated with varicocele. The pooling of blood in the affected veins can lead to increased pressure and discomfort in the surrounding areas. The left side is more commonly affected due to anatomical differences in venous drainage. The discomfort you feel in the left testicle and groin may be due to the increased venous pressure and the resultant engorgement of the veins.
2. Testicular Atrophy Concerns: Regarding your concern about testicular atrophy, it is important to note that varicocele can lead to reduced testicular size over time. The mechanism behind this is thought to be related to impaired blood flow and increased temperature in the affected testicle, which can negatively impact spermatogenesis (the production of sperm). If left untreated, there is a risk of progressive atrophy, but this does not mean that atrophy will continue indefinitely. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is crucial. If you notice a significant change in size or experience worsening symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a urologist.

3. Current Symptoms: The mild pain and discomfort you are experiencing near the groin and in the testicular area may indeed be related to your varicocele. It is not uncommon for individuals with varicocele to experience varying degrees of discomfort, which can fluctuate based on factors such as physical activity, prolonged standing, or even sexual activity.
In terms of management, if your symptoms are mild and not significantly impacting your quality of life, your doctor may recommend a conservative approach, including lifestyle modifications such as wearing supportive underwear, avoiding heavy lifting, and managing any underlying conditions that may exacerbate your symptoms. However, if your symptoms worsen or if you experience significant testicular atrophy, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options include varicocelectomy, which involves the ligation of the affected veins to redirect blood flow and alleviate symptoms.

In summary, your symptoms of groin discomfort, leg pain, and concerns about testicular atrophy are indeed relevant to your diagnosis of left-sided varicocele. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor your condition and address any changes in symptoms or testicular size. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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