I was recently diagnosed with a varicocele in my left testicle. I can physically feel enlarged veins + when I stand up and my balls hang loose, I can feel this ball like vein where blood presumably accumulates. My right testicle was undescended at birth and therefore was operated on immediately. My main concern right now is testosterone levels which I feel have dropped significantly. I've been lifting regularly and I know for a fact that I gain muscle mass on a 3500 calorie diet. However, since I've discovered this problem, I've find it impossible to gain weight on the exact same, trust me when I say proven-to-work 3500 calorie diet that I've always been on. I've become weaker too. Please don't tell me it's all psychological because I know for a fact that something is wrong. Is the varicocele causing this? Also, should I opt for surgery? My physician opted against it due to the associated risks post-surgery.
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Hi Max,
A variocele can cause reduced fertility and testosterone production.
Get a second opinion, at least! See a urologist as they specialize in this procedure. There are various ways to treat varioceles. Some DO NOT require treatment.
Start with the 2nd opinion.
Good luck.
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He seemed convinced that nothing was being affected. I explicitly asked him if i should get the necessary tests done but he insisted that the ultrasound was more than enough. My GP said the same thing. Coincidence of opinion led me to believe that i don't need to get them done. However, i'm convinced that levels have dropped due significantly reduced muscle mass and weakness in general (Trust me, its not psychological).
P.S. He also said that even if I get the tests done, the only thing that can be done to fix the problem is surgery, which he was strongly against.
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