Re: Pain in scrotum?

Posted By HFHS M.D.-SAL on April 11, 1998 at 09:00:30:

In Reply to: Pain in scrotum? posted by Matt on April 05, 1998 at 14:48:35:






A little different from the other posts about pain... Mine is in the scrotum and is pretty dull. Sometimes it is a sharp pain that lasts a few minutes.. other times, its extremely mild, and most of the time I don't feel anything. It also feels like a vessel below and just behind my right testicle is swollen. This seems to be the source of the pain.
I've had this off and on for over 3 months. I went to the doctor (primary) last month who after a short examination of feeling around, and me standing up, breathing, and coughing, said to take Ibuprofin for a week and see what happens. Indeed I hardly felt a thing during that week, but now that i'm off the ibuprofin, it is coming back. She aid it was probably varicose veins and that it is very normal. Nevertheless, I'd like to get rid of the pain and I don't want to take ibuprofin forever! Probably unrelated, but maybe mentionable is that my wife has had a similar sharp pain in her left breast, but can't detect lumps or anything.
Other than this, I'm in great health and can't think of any other abnormalities or symptoms. I had a check-up withthe doctor at the same time a few weeks ago who said I look great and my blodd tests were just fine. Any ideas on what this could be and how to fix it? Thanks!
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Dear Matt
Sound like your doctor has made the correct diagnosis but we can not confirm because we can not examine your over the internet. :)   Varicose veins of the testicular vessels is called a varicocele and has been quoted to be present in as many as 15% of men.  It  usually does not cause pain but can and is a  cause of infertility in men desiring a family.  Some men do have repair for pain but most urologist will not guarantee pain relief after surgery.   The surgery is same day discharge (outpatient) and may take a week or so to get back to light activity.  Ibuprofen does the trick but can contribute to stomach ulcers. Try taking ibuprofen (over the counter Advil/ Motrin/generic when the pain is more noticeable.  If this does not suit you, Dr. Caleb Fleming at our West Bloomfield campus does the most  varicocelectomies in our group here at Henry Ford Hospital.  If you dont feel up to traveling,, most urologists can perform this procedure.  
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-MD. MS
*Keyword: varicocele, testicular pain
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