Patient's question:
This week, I've been feeling lower abdominal pain and testicular pain, and I've also felt very bloated. The symptoms get worse after sitting or standing for a long time. Since it's a private area, I feel embarrassed going to the hospital. I suspect it might be varicocele. Could you please tell me what the early symptoms of varicocele are?Doctor's answer:
1. In the early stage of varicocele, a person may be completely asymptomatic and only discover it during a physical examination.2. If symptoms are present, the affected scrotum or testicle may have a sensation of heaviness or pain, with swelling of the scrotum. When standing, the affected scrotum and testicle are higher than the healthy side, and dilated, tortuous veins are visible on the scrotal surface. A soft, worm-like mass can be felt, and symptoms may decrease or disappear when lying down.
3. Patients with varicocele may experience neurotic symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and hyperesthesia. Some patients may also have sexual dysfunction.
4. If the varicocele does not subside after lying down, it is referred to as secondary varicocele. Further careful examination of the abdomen and kidneys is necessary. The later the varicocele progresses, the more difficult it becomes to treat.