Guest guest Posted August 13, 2003 Report Share Posted August 13, 2003 Hi all I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and painful cords leading to it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but I got the impression that it was pretty significant. I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this month. My GP said that some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected veins?) might be necessary. In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with varicoceles/testicular pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around 7-8ml), and soft... Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2003 Report Share Posted August 14, 2003 , I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago (after I started HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing that is worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a problem and would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get smaller.... I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular failure..... Cheers ....Steve ---- Varicocele? Date: 14/08/03 09:01 >Hi all I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and painful cords leading to it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but I got the impression that it was pretty significant. I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this month. My GP said that some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected veins?) might be necessary. In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with varicoceles/testicular pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around 7-8ml), and soft... Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2003 Report Share Posted August 14, 2003 You can count me as another guy who was diagnosed with varicocele who's now hypogonadic. My varicocele happened when I was about 15. I continued to have pain in my testes (often after sex) for a few years, but the pain did go away on its own. --Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2003 Report Share Posted August 14, 2003 Count me as another guy that was diagnosed with varioceles when I was a teenager. Didnt hit puberty until I was 16. I spent most of my adult life wondering, why I didnt have as much pubic/body hair as my friends and why I wasnt obsessed with sex like them.....I married and spent most of my marriage wondering what was wrong with me. I am now on Androgel and I finally realize, that this is the way I was supposed to feel all along. Having just found this group, it is so good to realize that I am not the only one out there.... > You can count me as another guy who was diagnosed with varicocele who's now > hypogonadic. My varicocele happened when I was about 15. I continued to have > pain in my testes (often after sex) for a few years, but the pain did go away > on its own. > > --Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2003 Report Share Posted August 15, 2003 Hi Steve, Marc and Kurt Thanks for your replies. I guess that I'm going to have to wait for the urologist appointment to find out more. I was first diagnosed with a varicocele about 4.5 years ago, and the suggestion at the time was " do nothing, it's not causing a problem " . In the meantime, it's definitely become more painful, and there's more of it. I can't imagine leaving it longer without doing something about the pain. My GP did say that, if I was intending to have children, then a varicocele could be a problem, as it makes the testicle warmer... something for others to take note of, perhaps? But, I suppose it can't be related to my (6-7 month old) diagnosis of hypogonadism, as it's thought to be secondary, and only one testicle is really affected by varicoceles, anyway... Will post more after the appointment... > , > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago (after I started > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing that is > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a problem and > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get smaller.... > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular failure..... > > Cheers > ...Steve > ---- Varicocele? > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > >Hi all > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and painful > cords leading to > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but I got the > impression that it was pretty significant. > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this month. My > GP said that > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected veins?) might be > necessary. > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > varicoceles/testicular > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around 7-8ml), and > soft... > > Thanks, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 I have varicocele and am concerned about its possible effect on my T-levels. What tests would the doctor need to do to see if this is the case? > > , > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago (after I started > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing that is > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a problem and > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get smaller.... > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular failure..... > > > > Cheers > > ...Steve > > ---- Varicocele? > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > >Hi all > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and painful > > cords leading to > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but I got the > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this month. My > > GP said that > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected veins?) might be > > necessary. > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > varicoceles/testicular > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around 7-8ml), and > > soft... > > > > Thanks, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 I know this guy in the UK that has this problem and even few to the US Ca. to see one of the best Dr.'s for help. I would say go to this site and post to him his neck is Megazoid. Or when you get there do a seach. http://forum.mesomorphosis.com/men-s-health-forum/ " smith.peter73 " <no_reply > wrote: I have varicocele and am concerned about its possible effect on my T-levels. What tests would the doctor need to do to see if this is the case? > > , > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago (after I started > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing that is > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a problem and > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get smaller.... > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular failure..... > > > > Cheers > > ...Steve > > ---- Varicocele? > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > >Hi all > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and painful > > cords leading to > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but I got the > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this month. My > > GP said that > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected veins?) might be > > necessary. > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > varicoceles/testicular > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around 7-8ml), and > > soft... > > > > Thanks, > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. " Phil --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 How are you, ? Lookie what I found. I was looking for something else and stumbled on this... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071017160526.htm According to this, it DOES effect testosterone levels, AND is easy to correct. I'm interested in this. Ever since puberty my left testicle veins are huge compared to the other side. Also, the underside of my scrotum has some visible, dark purple veins. The left side of my penis also has a noticeably large vein. I'm not sure if this is normal or not. I never thought much about it until now. Maybe some of you guys know? I asked a doctor about the larger veins on one side once (I was a teenager so it was probably about 6 years ago) and he said it was nothing to worry about... something called a " something-or-other seal " that was supposed to be normal. I can't find anything on it now. But that was quite some time before the onset of my symptoms. What should I be looking for in terms of a varicocele? This is the only set of equipment I've ever had. I know the large veins on the left testicle get sore if I handle them very much (my roomate had testicular cancer recently and so I thought I'd check for lumps), but I just figured it's a sensitive area. It seems odd that it would lower testosterone, as it doesn't sound like it usually effects both testis, and based on what I know the pituitary should be able to compensate. But one of the experts certainly feels this is a part of it. Hmm. ~ > > > , > > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago (after > I started > > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing > that is > > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a > problem and > > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get > smaller.... > > > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular > failure..... > > > > > > Cheers > > > ...Steve > > > ---- Varicocele? > > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > > > >Hi all > > > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and > painful > > > cords leading to > > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but > I got the > > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this > month. My > > > GP said that > > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected > veins?) might be > > > necessary. > > > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > > varicoceles/testicular > > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around > 7-8ml), and > > > soft... > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. " > Phil > > --------------------------------- > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 Oh, my gosh, I'm an idiot. Varicocele is pronounced " very-co-SEAL. " That IS what the doctor told me I have. It was years ago but I remember. I have this. Oh my gosh. I'm calling a urologist tomorrow. http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/varicocele.shtml ~ > > > > , > > > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago (after > > I started > > > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing > > that is > > > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a > > problem and > > > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get > > smaller.... > > > > > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular > > failure..... > > > > > > > > Cheers > > > > ...Steve > > > > ---- Varicocele? > > > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > > > > > >Hi all > > > > > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and > > painful > > > > cords leading to > > > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but > > I got the > > > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this > > month. My > > > > GP said that > > > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected > > veins?) might be > > > > necessary. > > > > > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > > > varicoceles/testicular > > > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around > > 7-8ml), and > > > > soft... > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what > you see. " > > Phil > > > > --------------------------------- > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. > Try it now. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 Sorry for the triple post, but I'm excited. This ain't no joke, fellas. Look at these studies: http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN & cpsidt=1371337 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/40/5/824 It seems pretty clear to me. Varicoceles can mess up your testosterone, and fixing them can bring it up. It also looks like they worsen over time. This could explain why even though I've had this thing since I was a teenager it didn't catch up with me until recently. http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:1oRpl8vaqjoJ:www.wernermd.com/Varicoceles.h\ tml+Varicocele+%22worsen+over+time%22 & hl=en & ct=clnk & cd=2 & gl=us & client=firefox-a ~ > > > > > , > > > > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago (after > > > I started > > > > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing > > > that is > > > > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a > > > problem and > > > > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > > > > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get > > > smaller.... > > > > > > > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular > > > failure..... > > > > > > > > > > Cheers > > > > > ...Steve > > > > > ---- Varicocele? > > > > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > > > > > > > >Hi all > > > > > > > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and > > > painful > > > > > cords leading to > > > > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but > > > I got the > > > > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > > > > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this > > > month. My > > > > > GP said that > > > > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected > > > veins?) might be > > > > > necessary. > > > > > > > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > > > > varicoceles/testicular > > > > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around > > > 7-8ml), and > > > > > soft... > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what > > you see. " > > > Phil > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. > > Try it now. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 I have been examining my testicles since going to Dr. Crisler and actually could feel what felt like varicose veins in my left testicle as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, I was never told what is normal or abnormal so I didn't give it any thought. My left testicle is smaller and underdeveloped and gets painful at times, I was attributing it to estrogen levels but I guess it's off to the urologist! WIsh someone had told me as a kid to examine my testicles and what to look for, or a doctor had done this during a physical at some point.... Jim > > > > > > , > > > > > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago > (after > > > > I started > > > > > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing > > > > that is > > > > > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a > > > > problem and > > > > > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > > > > > > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get > > > > smaller.... > > > > > > > > > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular > > > > failure..... > > > > > > > > > > > > Cheers > > > > > > ...Steve > > > > > > ---- Varicocele? > > > > > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > > > > > > > > > >Hi all > > > > > > > > > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and > > > > painful > > > > > > cords leading to > > > > > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty > uncommunicative, but > > > > I got the > > > > > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > > > > > > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this > > > > month. My > > > > > > GP said that > > > > > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected > > > > veins?) might be > > > > > > necessary. > > > > > > > > > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > > > > > varicoceles/testicular > > > > > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around > > > > 7-8ml), and > > > > > > soft... > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what > > > you see. " > > > > Phil > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. > > > Try it now. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 30, 2008 Report Share Posted April 30, 2008 This guy at this site has this problem and is up on everything about it. His nick is Megazoid click on his nick at this link and send him an PM. http://forum.mesomorphosis.com/men-s-health-forum/thyroid-hormone-testicular-fun\ ction-134255286.html mrmanguy84 <mrmanguy84@...> wrote: Sorry for the triple post, but I'm excited. This ain't no joke, fellas. Look at these studies: http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN & cpsidt=1371337 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/40/5/824 It seems pretty clear to me. Varicoceles can mess up your testosterone, and fixing them can bring it up. It also looks like they worsen over time. This could explain why even though I've had this thing since I was a teenager it didn't catch up with me until recently. http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:1oRpl8vaqjoJ:www.wernermd.com/Varicoceles.h\ tml+Varicocele+%22worsen+over+time%22 & hl=en & ct=clnk & cd=2 & gl=us & client=firefox-a ~ > > > > > , > > > > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago (after > > > I started > > > > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing > > > that is > > > > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a > > > problem and > > > > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > > > > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get > > > smaller.... > > > > > > > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular > > > failure..... > > > > > > > > > > Cheers > > > > > ...Steve > > > > > ---- Varicocele? > > > > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > > > > > > > >Hi all > > > > > > > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and > > > painful > > > > > cords leading to > > > > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty uncommunicative, but > > > I got the > > > > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > > > > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this > > > month. My > > > > > GP said that > > > > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected > > > veins?) might be > > > > > necessary. > > > > > > > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > > > > varicoceles/testicular > > > > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around > > > 7-8ml), and > > > > > soft... > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what > > you see. " > > > Phil > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. > > Try it now. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 Phil - I can't PM Megazoid. It says it's disabled. A friend of mine's dad is a urologist and I had a nice chat with him today over the phone. He said he wasn't familiar with this condition causing low testosterone, but then I read him the ranges in those two studies as well as the statements by Goldstein in the first article I referenced and he was impressed. He agreed that my testosterone was certainly very low for a guy my age and that the cause is not obvious. His suggestion to me was to seek TRT short term to make sure it makes me feel better, and then pursue the surgery if I like. He lives far away so I'd have to work with someone else. He also said he had never heard of anyone doing this surgery for hypogonadism, but told me he found my case for it compelling. He advised me that although the diagnostic reason for this surgery is generally infertility, I ought to seek insurance assistance on the basis of the hypogonadism. He said that anything involving fertility is almost always elective and not covered in the eyes of insurance. I'm guessing it will also be wise to emphasize the pain associated with it. According to him, the various methods of treatment all do the same thing and are equally effective, and the only real differences are where/how you are initially cut and how long recovery time is. He said it probably varies by location but estimated that the surgery would cost at least $5-10 thousand. He felt he couldn't say whether they usually get worse or not. He said sometimes they do, and that other times they just stay how they are. He said they often don't cause any problems, either, and that about 15% of guys have them. I'm going to make an appointment with a urologist as soon as I return home for the summer (should be home by late this week). However, I am a bit torn. I have had this varicocele since I can remember having dropped balls. Why would it cause problems all the sudden? My libido literally went from being as healthy as it had ever been to almost nothing in 6 months. I'm not sure how gradual it was at that time as I was not paying attention. My energy levels have been a more gradual decline over the years, however. It's also notable that the 18 months or so leading up to that 6-month period were extremely stressful. I really want to pursue this but I'm concerned about spending so much of my mother's money to fix something that may or may not matter. Perhaps I'll ask for a fertility test. If we can show I am infertile, I think that would win her over to treating it since she wants grandchildren. ------------- Any input is greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested int he following questions should anyone else happen to be studying up on this. Multiple heads are better than one. 1) If it's the cause of my low T, why has it gotten so much worse in this period? Any information that points to it being progressive, especially in such spurts, would help my case a lot. 2) How long does it take to recover T levels? I found the full text of one article and they simply tested T levels one year after the surgery. I'd be interested in anything that shows a clearer timeline. I would hope a full recovery is completed in at most a year, but I wonder if it happens faster. ~ > > > > > > , > > > > > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago > (after > > > > I started > > > > > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing > > > > that is > > > > > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a > > > > problem and > > > > > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > > > > > > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get > > > > smaller.... > > > > > > > > > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular > > > > failure..... > > > > > > > > > > > > Cheers > > > > > > ...Steve > > > > > > ---- Varicocele? > > > > > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > > > > > > > > > >Hi all > > > > > > > > > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and > > > > painful > > > > > > cords leading to > > > > > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty > uncommunicative, but > > > > I got the > > > > > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > > > > > > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this > > > > month. My > > > > > > GP said that > > > > > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected > > > > veins?) might be > > > > > > necessary. > > > > > > > > > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > > > > > varicoceles/testicular > > > > > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around > > > > 7-8ml), and > > > > > > soft... > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what > > > you see. " > > > > Phil > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. > > > Try it now. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 After reading through this thread, I posted my story which is basically the same for all that suffer from Varicocele .... If you jump over to this thread on AnabolicMinds http://anabolicminds.com/forum/male-anti-aging/56892-varicocele-can- effect.html I am beckerj there .... I kind of picked the thread up as megazoid and hyde12 dropped off the thread .... I will say that after reading the entire thread I fully understood the implications and the situation I was being presented with .... As to your 2 questions .... 1) If it's the cause of my low T, why has it gotten so much worse in this period? Any information that points to it being progressive, especially in such spurts, would help my case a lot. This can be answered in a couple of studies that show that there is a threshold for men where T is concerned .... In other words you could have finally dropped below this point and that is why it appears to be " All Of A Sudden " 2) How long does it take to recover T levels? I found the full text of one article and they simply tested T levels one year after the surgery. I'd be interested in anything that shows a clearer timeline. I would hope a full recovery is completed in at most a year, but I wonder if it happens faster Here again after reading through the thread and seeing the dates of megazoid and hyde12 postings I saw that the chances of recovery were not as good as the study it appears you have read state. 3 months after the surgery I still have 25% Varicocele on my left side. And my T levels were still Low-Normal .... 293 (241-827) I also sent messages to both and asked what their results were and they were both now on some form of TRT .... This leads me to believe that the study may have been skewed to a younger group of varicocele patients as I do not recall the ages given in the study .... I opted for the Micro-Surgery .... In everything I had read it was the one that had the least chance for reccurrence .... And in the study you have read I believe it was Micro-Surgery that they did where the T levels rebounded .... Also note that they don't say how much of an increase .... They just say normal levels .... That is the same hog wash that the Docs gave me .... Yeah I may be in the normal range for MOST men but maybe not for me .... As for the insurance thing .... Press it from a pain standpoint .... Not a T level point or a fertility point .... It is painful if you think about it .... IT was for me .... Make sure you have both sides checked .... LEft and Right .... Mine was obvious on the left but not so much on the right .... It wasn't until I got to see the surgeon did he eyebal it and order the ultra sound for the right .... Oh yeah .... That study was also on men that had bilateral varicocele I think .... Hope this helps .... My hell is another's support .... I hope ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 1, 2008 Report Share Posted May 1, 2008 I just checked Megazoid and you can PM him you need to join first. Also do a search on Varicocele and his nick. There are a ton of posts about this and some from Dr.'s. mrmanguy84 <mrmanguy84@...> wrote: Phil - I can't PM Megazoid. It says it's disabled. A friend of mine's dad is a urologist and I had a nice chat with him today over the phone. He said he wasn't familiar with this condition causing low testosterone, but then I read him the ranges in those two studies as well as the statements by Goldstein in the first article I referenced and he was impressed. He agreed that my testosterone was certainly very low for a guy my age and that the cause is not obvious. His suggestion to me was to seek TRT short term to make sure it makes me feel better, and then pursue the surgery if I like. He lives far away so I'd have to work with someone else. He also said he had never heard of anyone doing this surgery for hypogonadism, but told me he found my case for it compelling. He advised me that although the diagnostic reason for this surgery is generally infertility, I ought to seek insurance assistance on the basis of the hypogonadism. He said that anything involving fertility is almost always elective and not covered in the eyes of insurance. I'm guessing it will also be wise to emphasize the pain associated with it. According to him, the various methods of treatment all do the same thing and are equally effective, and the only real differences are where/how you are initially cut and how long recovery time is. He said it probably varies by location but estimated that the surgery would cost at least $5-10 thousand. He felt he couldn't say whether they usually get worse or not. He said sometimes they do, and that other times they just stay how they are. He said they often don't cause any problems, either, and that about 15% of guys have them. I'm going to make an appointment with a urologist as soon as I return home for the summer (should be home by late this week). However, I am a bit torn. I have had this varicocele since I can remember having dropped balls. Why would it cause problems all the sudden? My libido literally went from being as healthy as it had ever been to almost nothing in 6 months. I'm not sure how gradual it was at that time as I was not paying attention. My energy levels have been a more gradual decline over the years, however. It's also notable that the 18 months or so leading up to that 6-month period were extremely stressful. I really want to pursue this but I'm concerned about spending so much of my mother's money to fix something that may or may not matter. Perhaps I'll ask for a fertility test. If we can show I am infertile, I think that would win her over to treating it since she wants grandchildren. ------------- Any input is greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested int he following questions should anyone else happen to be studying up on this. Multiple heads are better than one. 1) If it's the cause of my low T, why has it gotten so much worse in this period? Any information that points to it being progressive, especially in such spurts, would help my case a lot. 2) How long does it take to recover T levels? I found the full text of one article and they simply tested T levels one year after the surgery. I'd be interested in anything that shows a clearer timeline. I would hope a full recovery is completed in at most a year, but I wonder if it happens faster. ~ > > > > > > , > > > > > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago > (after > > > > I started > > > > > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is nothing > > > > that is > > > > > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a > > > > problem and > > > > > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > > > > > > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the testicle get > > > > smaller.... > > > > > > > > > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my testicular > > > > failure..... > > > > > > > > > > > > Cheers > > > > > > ...Steve > > > > > > ---- Varicocele? > > > > > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > > > > > > > > > >Hi all > > > > > > > > > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left testicle, and > > > > painful > > > > > > cords leading to > > > > > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty > uncommunicative, but > > > > I got the > > > > > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > > > > > > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later on this > > > > month. My > > > > > > GP said that > > > > > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected > > > > veins?) might be > > > > > > necessary. > > > > > > > > > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > > > > > varicoceles/testicular > > > > > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around > > > > 7-8ml), and > > > > > > soft... > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of what > > > you see. " > > > > Phil > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. > > > Try it now. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2008 Report Share Posted May 2, 2008 > > After reading through this thread, I posted my story which is basically > the same for all that suffer from Varicocele .... If you jump over to Today I went to the library and found the full text of the " Plasma Testosterone in Patients with Varicocele and Sexual Inadequacy " study. I have a copy of it in front of me. You're right about the age being part of it in that particular study. Only the men younger than 40 were treated with surgery, while the guys 40 and over were given testosterone therapy. So yeah, we're talking about younger guys, though I'm not sure what the average age of the operation guys are. I'm ok with that as I'm 23. This is very promising. The part that pleases me the most is the graph which shows the individual progress of the men following their surgery. ALL 10 (except maybe one guy whose chart is hard to follow on the graph) ended up with testosterone levels of at least 500 after the surgery, and most of them much higher. One guy went from about 400 to over 900! Wow! The timeline given in the article is particularly interesting. They didn't test all the men at the same time, but tested some at 5 months after surgery, some at 3 or 10 etc. It looks as though full recovery may take as long as 15 months after the surgery, so don't give up. Here's a couple of the different trails. The numbers are approximate as I read a graph: Surgery: 380, 5 months: 400, 15 months: 500 (of course, this may have jumped up in 10 months as he was not tested again until the 15-month marker). Surgery: 410, 4 months: 700, 8 months: 900 Surgery: 250, 5 months: 300, 15 months: 660 Surgery: 430, 3 months: 720, 8 months: 900 The only guy who didn't hit at least 500 looks like he may have become noncompliant with testing or something. His numbers go like this: Surgery: 210, 4 months: 390. Then his trail disappears. It probably kept going up. There's 10 trails, and below it reads: " Only patients less than 40 yr of age and with a preoperative plasma T level less than 450 ng/100 ml were included. " This applies to me, but maybe not to everyone here. Regardless, every single man went up. Every one. I've got a couple of the other full-text studies in front of me. It's a shame they're not easier to get online. Maybe I will manage to get them scanned for you guys after I get home. I just got them through the library at school and photocopied them so I don't see why not. Urologist appointment is May 12. ~ > this thread on AnabolicMinds > > http://anabolicminds.com/forum/male-anti-aging/56892-varicocele-can- > effect.html > > I am beckerj there .... I kind of picked the thread up as megazoid and > hyde12 dropped off the thread .... I will say that after reading the > entire thread I fully understood the implications and the situation I > was being presented with .... > > As to your 2 questions .... > > 1) If it's the cause of my low T, why has it gotten so much worse in > this period? Any information that points to it being progressive, > especially in such spurts, would help my case a lot. > This can be answered in a couple of studies that show that there is a > threshold for men where T is concerned .... In other words you could > have finally dropped below this point and that is why it appears to > be " All Of A Sudden " > > 2) How long does it take to recover T levels? I found the full text of > one article and they simply tested T levels one year after the > surgery. I'd be interested in anything that shows a clearer timeline. > I would hope a full recovery is completed in at most a year, but I > wonder if it happens faster > Here again after reading through the thread and seeing the dates of > megazoid and hyde12 postings I saw that the chances of recovery were > not as good as the study it appears you have read state. 3 months after > the surgery I still have 25% Varicocele on my left side. And my T > levels were still Low-Normal .... 293 (241-827) I also sent messages to > both and asked what their results were and they were both now on some > form of TRT .... This leads me to believe that the study may have been > skewed to a younger group of varicocele patients as I do not recall the > ages given in the study .... > > I opted for the Micro-Surgery .... In everything I had read it was the > one that had the least chance for reccurrence .... And in the study you > have read I believe it was Micro-Surgery that they did where the T > levels rebounded .... > > Also note that they don't say how much of an increase .... They just > say normal levels .... That is the same hog wash that the Docs gave > me .... Yeah I may be in the normal range for MOST men but maybe not > for me .... > > As for the insurance thing .... Press it from a pain standpoint .... > Not a T level point or a fertility point .... It is painful if you > think about it .... IT was for me .... > > Make sure you have both sides checked .... LEft and Right .... Mine was > obvious on the left but not so much on the right .... It wasn't until I > got to see the surgeon did he eyebal it and order the ultra sound for > the right .... > > Oh yeah .... That study was also on men that had bilateral varicocele I > think .... > > Hope this helps .... My hell is another's support .... I hope ! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Anybody know where I can get the following studies? I'm trying to cover my butt in case my sperm count looks ok. Usually I can get medical articles through my college but for some reason I can't get these ones. Maybe someone here can. ~ TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN FERTILE MEN WITH VARICOCELES, INFERTILE MEN WITH VARICOCELES, AND FERTILE … G Rucker, D Yao, K Dardashti, S McCallum, M … - The Journal of Urology, 1999 - jurology.com ... INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Testosterone (T) levels decline with age in men. ... of varicoceles on T levels in fertile men is ... Each man had a palpable varicocele. ... Cited by 1 - Related Articles - Web Search ------------------------------------------ Nagao, R.R., Plymate, S.R., Berger, R.E. et al. (1986) Comparison of gonadal function between fertile and infertile men with varicoceles. Fertil. Steril., 46, 930-933 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3096787?dopt=Abstract > > > > > > > , > > > > > > > I have the same problem. It was diagnosed about 5 years ago > > (after > > > > > I started > > > > > > > HRT) and the specialist said [my paraphrasing] " there is > nothing > > > > > that is > > > > > > > worth doing sbout it - the varicose veins were not causing a > > > > > problem and > > > > > > > would be unlikely to and therefore not worth worrying about " . > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Since then the veins have continued to grow and the > testicle get > > > > > smaller.... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I confess I wonder wheter this has contributed to my > testicular > > > > > failure..... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Cheers > > > > > > > ...Steve > > > > > > > ---- Varicocele? > > > > > > > Date: 14/08/03 09:01 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Hi all > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I had an ultrasound yesterday for pain in my left > testicle, and > > > > > painful > > > > > > > cords leading to > > > > > > > it. The woman doing the ultrasound was pretty > > uncommunicative, but > > > > > I got the > > > > > > > impression that it was pretty significant. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I also have a referral to a urologist who I'll see later > on this > > > > > month. My > > > > > > > GP said that > > > > > > > some form of surgical correction (snipping out the affected > > > > > veins?) might be > > > > > > > necessary. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > In the meantime, does anyone else have any experience with > > > > > > > varicoceles/testicular > > > > > > > pain? I should add that my balls are both atrophied (around > > > > > 7-8ml), and > > > > > > > soft... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Co-Moderator " Don't believe anything you hear and only half of > what > > > > you see. " > > > > > Phil > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > > > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with > Mobile. > > > > Try it now. > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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