I have a varicocele and low testosterone; should I get microsurgery or embolisation?

[Eternal_Sunshine]

Which procedure is best for correcting low testosterone (caused by the varicocele)?

The varicicocele on my left testicle is obviously visible to the eye, so the ultrasound I have scheduled for next month to confirm it is not going to tell me anything I don't know, BUT I do not know whether I should request an embolisation or a microsurgical varicocele?

I believe I have symptoms of low testosterone and would like to increase it; given that, which procedure is recommended? Is there any difference in the medical literature between the two procedures, as regards testosterone improvements? I suspect microsurgery is the best option.

Many thanks. This means a lot to me.

[Eternal_Sunshine]

Many thanks for your reply Dr Kaur. To the question of whether embolisation or varicelectomy is the best procedure, are there any clear answers to this?

Best wishes,
ES

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Varicocele may be the cause of low testosterone and treatment of varicocele often solves the problem. The typical male testosterone level is between 250ng/dl to 850 ng/dl. Although it’s normal for testosterone levels to drop as men age, low testosterone can cause loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, mood problems, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
If even after treating varicocele symptoms persist then get an evaluation done from a urologist and get your testosterone levels estimated.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.