Can Left Testicular Varicocele Pain Radiate to the Right Groin?

Can the pain caused by left-sided varicocele in the testicular vein radiate to the right inguinal region?

I have had varicocele for several years, primarily on the left testicle.
Occasionally, I experience pain above the testicle.
A urologist performed an ultrasound and diagnosed it as approximately grade 3.
However, about two months ago, I started feeling a sense of fullness and pain in my groin area (the upper right corner of the inverted triangle region, near the lower abdomen).
Sometimes the pain is severe, presenting as sharp or dull pain.
It hurts whether I am standing or sitting, and exerting myself seems to exacerbate it.
Over the past two months, I have consulted with specialists in surgery, gastroenterology, and urology, and I have been on medication for a long time without improvement.
Later, I had an ultrasound at a gastroenterology clinic, which focused on the groin and lower abdomen but did not include the testicles.
The doctor indicated a vascular area that resembled a blood vessel and told me it was caused by varicocele.
He also pressed on my groin to check for pain, which I did feel.
However, when I visited the urologist today, she told me that the varicocele on the left testicle would not affect the right groin area.
I am confused about this.
The urologist suspects it might be a hernia and pressed with a finger above the testicle, but it was too painful, and I did not allow him to press deeply.
Currently, he stated that he did not find anything (he also pressed on the lower abdomen and other areas) to rule out varicocele as the cause.
Could it possibly be a "nerve" issue? Since about five months ago, just before my exams, I have been experiencing daily morning dizziness, a sensation of unsteadiness while walking, and a slight feeling of nausea.
Initially, it occurred a few days a week, and my right leg sometimes feels weak and uncomfortable, with sensations occurring in the calf, ankle, and thigh.
Standing feels better, but lying down or sitting remains uncomfortable.
This has happened in the morning, noon, and evening, and sometimes during class, making it difficult to stand.
Recently, these symptoms have been occurring almost constantly, and sometimes I also experience chest tightness.

A Tsai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/06/19

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, the varicocele on the left side of the spermatic vein should not cause pain on the right side.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Answers found online should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, who cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2012/06/19

More Info

Left testicular varicocele is a condition characterized by the enlargement of veins within the scrotum, often leading to discomfort or pain in the affected area. While it is primarily localized to the left side, it is not uncommon for patients to experience referred pain in adjacent regions, including the groin. The phenomenon of referred pain occurs when pain is perceived in an area different from its source, often due to shared nerve pathways.

In your case, the pain radiating to the right groin could potentially be linked to the left varicocele, although it is somewhat atypical. The left testicular vein drains into the left renal vein, and any issues in this area can sometimes lead to discomfort that might be felt in the groin or lower abdomen. However, it is essential to consider other potential causes of your symptoms, especially since you have been experiencing discomfort in the right groin area.

Your healthcare providers have conducted various examinations, including ultrasounds, to assess the situation. The fact that your urologist indicated that the left varicocele should not affect the right groin suggests that they are considering other diagnoses. One possibility is that the pain could be related to a hernia, as your urologist suspected. Inguinal hernias can cause pain in the groin area and may present with symptoms similar to what you are experiencing.

Additionally, the symptoms you describe, such as the feeling of heaviness, dull pain, and discomfort when standing or sitting, could also be associated with nerve-related issues. Conditions such as nerve entrapment or irritation in the lumbar region could lead to referred pain in the groin and lower extremities. Given your history of feeling lightheaded and experiencing discomfort in your legs, it may be worthwhile to explore neurological evaluations to rule out any underlying nerve issues.

It is also important to consider that psychological factors, such as anxiety or stress, can exacerbate physical symptoms. The feelings of nausea and dizziness you mentioned could be related to anxiety, especially if they coincide with periods of stress, such as preparing for exams.

In summary, while left testicular varicocele can cause localized pain, it is possible for symptoms to radiate to the groin. However, given the complexity of your symptoms and the various examinations you have undergone, it would be prudent to continue working closely with your healthcare providers. They may recommend further imaging studies or referrals to specialists, such as a gastroenterologist or neurologist, to explore other potential causes of your discomfort. It is crucial to address both the physical and psychological aspects of your symptoms to achieve a comprehensive understanding and effective management of your condition.

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