variocele and low t

[masterp]

hey guys do any of you have any information on the link between variocele and low testosterone, elevated, fh. i am 18 and low t and testicular atrophy, despite having a normal genetic test. i have had variocele since 16, but until now i just thought it was growing pains. i have heard that variocele can cause testicular atrophy. what do people know about this, what can i do.
many thanks

[masterp]

yeah i was wondering if anyone had any experience about this though

[jc71]

Yes, a urologist would be the one to ask.  

I know that variocele is basically tangled blood vessels in your nutt sack.

My guess is that it could probably cause infertility.  Had a sperm count lately?

Don't know about atrophy.  See an urologist.

[masterp]

yeah v. low sperm count (in the thousands rather than millions). from about 16 on wards had dull ache in nut sack. thought it was just growing pains but now i am not so sure.

[jc71]

masterp - I sent you a private message.

[pureluck]

my roommate in college had the varicocele problem and eventually had surgery to correct it. Generally having varicocele is not life threatening like gyne but may cause sterility if left untreated for long enough. He never mentioned to me about having problems with his testosterone levels. All I can say is tell your parents and/or meet with a urologist. Only a doctor can set you straight after examining you in person.

[aux513s]

Here's a link I found for you:

http://www.duj.com/Article/Paduch/Paduch.html

it says:

There is a wide array of endocrine abnormalities associated with varicocele.

Leydig cells are under the control of luteinizing hormone (LH) and responsible for testosterone production. Some studies have shown that the serum testosterone level may be affected by varicocele, however it is intratesticular testosterone that is important in regulation of spermatogenesis.53,54 In experimental animal models a varicocele can result in decreased intratesticular testosterone level.55 The results of human studies are mixed. Ando et al. found reduced serum testosterone level in males with varicocele and increase in serum testosterone level after repair of varicocele.

[masterp]

thanks for the posts guys- i think i am going to investigate it further, as my genetic testing is normal, so why else is this happening

[hypo]

Aux513s has kindly opened an avenue of investigation for you- go down it with a urologist.

[masterp]

will do but wondering if anyone out there had any experience