So I apparently have a varicocele, which is where the veins next to the tube that connects the testicle to the body widen. I had no issues with it prior to attempting HRT (didn't even know I had it then), but once I started, the tube swelled and caused me unbearable pain. This is preventing me from undergoing HRT because the pain is extraordinarily bad.

Did anyone have to deal with this issue in order to begin or continue HRT? Did you see a general practitioner or a urologist? Did you have to get surgery to fix the veins? If yes on the surgery, any idea if it is possible for the surgery to make it more difficult or impossible to have SRS later?

Or would switching to another anti-androgen besides sprionolactone be beneficial? If yes, which one?

From what I've read about it, this happens in 15% of biological males and is more likely to occur on the left side, if you're tall, and if you're not overweight. The thing about it is that urologists usually leave it alone if it is not causing an issue, but the only reason mine is causing an issue is because of the spiro.

If you're willing to share but feel these questions are too personal, feel free to send me a private message. I will probably try to see a urologist, but I'd really appreciate some help to get an idea of what, if anything, I can do about this.

I would have thought a urologist was the way to go.

So I did see a urologist. He thinks it is not the varicocele but another issue in the same area. I forget the technical term, but I am on anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory drugs now.

Hopefully, I will be able to resume sprio once this issue is taken care of without any pain.

I've had issues with a varicocele since I was a teenager. Interestingly, since starting HRT the problem has dissipated.

Quote from: Ms Grace on February 14, 2015, 03:37:01 AM
I've had issues with a varicocele since I was a teenager. Interestingly, since starting HRT the problem has dissipated.

From what I understand, spiro reduces blood flow to the area over time, so that would make sense.

To anyone who finds this, it was epididymitis. I'm taking the full dose of spiro now with no pain and am much happier! The doctors don't know why spironolactone would trigger that reaction.

Glad to hear it is sorted out for you!

I had severe problems with pain due to inflammation, but I guess things were complicated by me having been 'put right' down there in my early teens which left me with an unsightly collection of scars. My GP referred me to a urologist who identified what was causing the pain so I asked him to book me in for an orchi.  You can't get pain in what's not there anymore 

I've had a varicocele on the left testicle for many many years.   Due to the varicocele, and reduced blood flow to that testicle, it has atrophied about 50%.  Also it's very painful to touch or bump.
Both also give me chronic pain.

I've seen 2 urologists and both have offered to fix the varicocele, but have told me the pain I feel will most likely remain or increase.   I asked about an orchiectomy and can get one after 12 months on hrt.

I started hrt in Feb. and have not had any changes there yet.  Both testicles are still very painful and the varicocele has not diminished in size....  still early on in the hrt though doo time will tell.

10 months left until i can get these dreaded things out for good.

Quote from: RachaelAnne on April 03, 2015, 07:24:32 AM
I've had a varicocele on the left testicle for many many years.   Due to the varicocele, and reduced blood flow to that testicle, it has atrophied about 50%.  Also it's very painful to touch or bump.
Both also give me chronic pain.

I've seen 2 urologists and both have offered to fix the varicocele, but have told me the pain I feel will most likely remain or increase.   I asked about an orchiectomy and can get one after 12 months on hrt.

I started hrt in Feb. and have not had any changes there yet.  Both testicles are still very painful and the varicocele has not diminished in size....  still early on in the hrt though doo time will tell.

10 months left until i can get these dreaded things out for good.

I'm really sorry to hear that. Have you tried alternative anti-androgens? That is what I was going to do if this didn't work. They interact differently, so maybe they wont cause you pain? Then you could switch back to spiro/crypo after an orchi?

Hi Mara,

I see my endocrinologist in a month to review the effects of hrt vs prescriptions.  She said she would help decide then if we need to switch.

I can't wait.   I do know that even though I'm on a low dose the effects of hrt are beginning.   My nipples have been very sore the whole week...

So maybe there's hope, but i have to give it more time.