Varicocele - right side

[R56Cooper]

So, been diagnosed with a varicocele on the right side of the old coin purse.

Apparently similar issue to a varicose vein, only in the nut sack.

Frigging painful over the past week or so. Feels like having my ball pulled down constantly and the swollen mass of veins keeps getting caught, especially when hopping into the car. I may have to resort to budgie smugglers to keep the "equipment" under control.

Have been referred for an ultrasound which is just over a week away.

GP didn't seem overly concerned but online reading suggests that the vast majority of these occur on the left side and the right side *may* be cause for concern. Not sure if anyone else has experienced similar but would be interested to hear any personal experiences.

[mcelliott]

R56Cooper said:

So, been diagnosed with a varicocele on the right side of the old coin purse.

Apparently similar issue to a varicose vein, only in the nut sack.

Frigging painful over the past week or so. Feels like having my ball pulled down constantly and the swollen mass of veins keeps getting caught, especially when hopping into the car. I may have to resort to budgie smugglers to keep the "equipment" under control.

Have been referred for an ultrasound which is just over a week away.

GP didn't seem overly concerned but online reading suggests that the vast majority of these occur on the left side and the right side *may* be cause for concern. Not sure if anyone else has experienced similar but would be interested to hear any personal experiences.

Only on the left for me, had mine from quite young, pain comes and goes, at worst it feels like have been kicked in the nuts, Dr told me they would only operate in extreme circumstances, can effect sperm levels apparently.

[popeyewhite]

Right side for me. Comes and goes, it's like medium grade toothache when it occurs. Started about ten years ago, I'll be alright for a year or two then it'll come back. Irritating.

[Armitage.Shanks]

Left side for me. Had it for years. Sometimes it will cause an ache but most of the time I don't notice it. From a recent ultrascan there's a suggestion I also have one on the right side. I think they can be operated on to remove but usually that's a last resort and I'd prefer no medical 'interference' down there.

[Steve Campbell]

My 18 year old just had surgery for this. Left side. He initially went for the keyhole embolisation but unfortunately didn’t work. Eventually opted for the open surgery. He’s 10 days since the surgery and doing fine, though it’s a bit tender and healing slowly.
He had the op as he competes / trains athletics at county level….and it was really impacted his ability to train and race. Fingers crossed this fixes it for him.
I’d never heard of it before but apparently fairly common !

[Honk]

Left side possible cause for concern owing to vascular connection to left kidney ie possible kidney tumour causing obstruction. Right side different plumbing so ok.

[R56Cooper]

Thanks for the input all. From what I have read they are quite common. Before this latest swelling I had been doing quite a bit of rowing and I wonder whether it has just become inflamed from lots of repetitive motion.

Scan isn't too far off so hopefully will get confirmation then whether it's anything to worry about.