Is it normal for varicocele to hurt?

For most patients, varicocele does not cause any noticeable discomfort. However, mild or severe scrotal pain can result from varicocele. Patients typically report an “aching” sensation in the scrotum, usually associated with prolonged standing or activity.

What causes varicocele to flare up?

Varicocele Causes Varicoceles are believed to be caused by defective valves in the veins within the scrotum, just above the testicles. Normally, these valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the testicles. When normal flow doesn’t occur, the blood backs up, causing the veins to dilate (enlarge).

How do you relieve pain from varicocele?

If you have a varicocele that causes minor discomfort, but doesn’t affect your fertility, you might try the following for pain relief:

  1. Take nonprescription pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
  2. Support the scrotum by wearing an athletic supporter or snug briefs.

How does varicocele pain feel like?

Testicular pain associated with varicocele is typically described as a dull, aching, or throbbing pain in the testicle, scrotum, or groin; rarely, it can be acute, sharp, or stabbing. Varicocele is also described as scrotal heaviness that worsens with exercise, activity, or after standing for a prolonged duration.

Why does varicocele pain come and go?

When blood flow through the veins of the testicles is abnormal due to a varicocele, backed-up blood flow can cause sensations of pain and pressure. Many men with varicoceles report that their pain is worse when sitting. Sitting down may temporarily increase the pressure in your groin and block blood flow.

How long does varicocele pain last?

A varicocele (say “VAR-uh-koh-seel”) is a large vein that forms in one or both testicles. The blood pools, making the vein larger than normal. To fix the problem, your doctor tied off the end of the vein so the blood will not pool. After surgery, you may have slight pain in your groin for 3 to 6 weeks.

Does working out worsen varicocele?

Men who experience aching pain in their testicles—often when exercising, standing or sitting for a long time—may have varicoceles. The pain is due to pressure that builds up on the affected veins. Heavy lifting may aggravate the symptoms and in some cases, may cause a varicocele to form.