Testicular pain is a major symptom that drives patients with varicocele to seek medical attention. In this article, I discuss painful varicocele and how to relieve the pain.
Why Does Varicocele Cause Pain?
The pooling of blood in dilated veins increases local pressure and temperature. This tension stimulates sensory nerves, causing a dull, pulling ache that worsens during the day and is relieved by lying down.
Treatment for Varicocele Pain
Conservative measures include scrotal support and avoiding prolonged standing. For persistent pain, microsurgical varicocelectomy successfully eliminates the pain in 85-90% of cases by reducing venous pressure.