Varicocele

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Hi,Long time since I last posted - does anyone remember me? I used to argue with SteveA a lot.Basically I'm almost 20, and since I was 16, I noticed I had a varicocele on my left testicle. I read about the symptoms and when it becomes a problem. Well recently it's been aching slightly, both the left (where it is) and the right testicle, so I gathered up the courage and made a doctors appointment this morning. I've been along, and frustratingly he said everything was normal and he couldn't find one - the thing is, it's winter and freezing in the UK - so everything shrank down there - and the varicocele was nowhere to be seen. He seemed to fob me off, and probably thought I was a hypochondriac - I explained that I had seen numerous diagrams and what I had matched them exactly, being most visable after I get out of the shower (blue visable veins, bag of worms - blah blah blah, I know what it is and I have it). He said he's refer me to the urologist for 6-8 weeks - Fuck that! I told him I'd prefer to go for a private consultation, and then consider private/NHS after finding out if it needs treatment. So I'm expecting a call within the next couple of weeks. I'm glad that the check up ruled out anything else though.The thing is, I'd like to have the surgery anyway, it's not the most attractive (even though it's nowhere to be seen once erect - I don't want to have to wait until I'm erect to get it out (if you know what I mean). I also don't want to have to wear pants instead of boxers to give it more support. I'd rather not make those changes in my life.Questions:- Has anyone else been in a similar situation?- Has anyone had the treatment - which do you recommend?- Has it ever become a problem in your sex life?- Has anyone undergone private treatment, and how much did it cost?Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.Jay.

Varicocele ,being a form of varicose vein may only show up when put under pressure(lifting etc)this may be why they didnt show up during examination.Personally unless they are causing you a lot of discomfort i would leave well alone.Once they start about down there you could end up worse off(scar tissue etc)good luck

I've had a varicocele for most of my adult life on teh left side. The varicocele is not severe and yes it aches sometimes.Doctor has seen it but I've never been treated and it's not an issue during sex.

Thanks Solaris.

Sdp, cheers for that - it's given me some hope. The ache isn't even annoying - it's just there, every now and then - and I'd rather have things how I want down there - perfect! I suppose it's the aesthetics of my glorious genitals that I'm more concerned about. However, I've read about the risks involved, so after my consultation with the urologist I'll find out if it's necessary. The doctor did say something about varicoceles surrounding the testicle, which mine doesn't - so maybe it's not as big as I think it is.

I'll have to wait and see. Thanks again.

Jay.

Sorry, I don't remember you, but you seem like a stand-up fellow.I assume the doctor palpated your testicle (felt it with his fingers), and didn't do an ultrasound imaging. I also assume that if you see a urologist, he'll do the ultrasound.I think it would be a waste of time to see another general practitioner, if that's your intention. Go see a urologist, whether private or NHS, for another opinion.If it's not serious, I would lean against surgery, on principle.