One of the most common complaints of varicocele patients when applying to urology clinics is a dull, pulling, and uncomfortable pain felt in the testicles. The pain can sometimes be so severe that it makes it difficult for the patient to perform daily activities. This article addresses the questions of what painful varicocele is and how varicocele pain is relieved.
Why Does Varicocele Cause Pain?
As a result of the enlargement of the testicular veins, blood pools and flows backward due to gravity. This condition causes stretching of the vessel walls and an increase in temperature and pressure in the tissues surrounding the testicle. This high pressure stimulates the testicular nerves, triggering the sensation of pain. The characteristics of the pain are as follows:
How is Varicocele Pain Treated?
For temporary pain, wearing scrotal supportive underwear (suspensory), avoiding hot baths, and resting with the legs elevated are beneficial. However, for chronic pain that is persistent and impairs the quality of life, the enlarged veins are ligated through microsurgical varicocelectomy. In this way, the intratesticular pressure is reduced, and pain is completely eliminated in 85-90% of patients.