Varicocele Surgery Recovery Time: What You Need to Know


Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure that treats twisted and enlarged veins in the scrotum. This operation improves testicles’ function and increases male fertility, but it has some inevitable risks and complications. The varicocele surgery recovery time takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the technique your surgeon uses and your healing rate. This article discusses what to do during varicocelectomy recovery and mentions all the warning signs after this operation. You can also find the answers to some of your questions at the end of this article. 

Varicocele
Read more: Everything about Varicocele: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.


Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of a blood vessel inside the scrotum

What Is Varicocele Surgery?

Varicocelectomy (varicocele surgery) is a surgical treatment designed to eliminate varicoceles, especially those that cause pain, dry skin, and infertility. In varicocele surgery, the damaged vein is either closed or cut to direct the blood to healthy arteries.

Varicocele treatment improves sperm quality, increases sperm and testosterone production, and reduces the pain caused by inflammation in arteries. There are three types of varicocele surgery: open, laparoscopic, and microsurgical.

Azoospermia treatment
Read more: Azoospermia Treatments (Obstructive & Non-obstructive)

What Happens to the Veins After Varicocele Surgery?

After varicocelectomy, the patient's main concerns are what happens to penile veins and how the blood will flow in the testicle. The answer is quite straightforward. Some of the veins in the testicle will still be painful and swollen for a couple of weeks after the surgery, especially during the first one post-operation, but hopefully, once the blood is fully redirected to the healthy veins, the pain will be eliminated, and the testicular returns to its actual size. If six months have passed and you still feel veins after varicocele surgery, you’d better consult a doctor.

In the meantime, you can help your veins return to normal by maintaining good hygiene, avoiding strenuous activities, and having a balanced diet to prevent constipation.

Remember that the chance of varicocele recurrence is %10 on average, so you should have frequent checkups after the surgery and be aware of the signs of this disease. 

Recovery Period After Varicocele Surgery

How fast and easy it is to recover from varicocele surgery depends on many factors, the most important of which is the surgical technique used. Generally, people who have undergone open varicocelectomy will have a more difficult and longer recovery than those who were operated on laparoscopically. 

Recovery After Open Varicocelectomy

Since open varicocelectomy is done under general anesthesia and involves an incision on the scrotum, its recovery period is more extended and inconvenient. During varicocele surgery recovery, you may have pain in your scrotum, groin, and penis, so you may need to take prescribed painkillers to minimize pain. Moreover, your testicles will be swollen for almost a month after open surgery, but you can reduce the inflammation by putting ice packs on the testes. It is worth mentioning that lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy objects and strenuous exercises are highly prohibited during varicocele surgery recovery. 

Recovery After Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy 

Since laparoscopic varicocelectomy is a less invasive procedure, its recovery period is much shorter and more accessible. If your job is not physically demanding, you can return to work almost a week after the surgery.

During thevaricocele surgery recovery time, you will have moderate pain, which will subside gradually. However, remember that strenuous activities and lifting after varicocele surgery may increase your pain and swelling, so avoiding heavy activities is recommended until your doctor allows you to.

An important point about taking medication after varicocelectomy is that you shouldn't stop taking it just because you feel better. Also, you should avoid taking OTC medications such as aspirin and sedatives at your discretion.

General Care after Varicocele Surgery

In the following, we mentioned some of the general care after varicocele treatment surgery:

  • You will be discharged on the day of the surgery. Doctors may recommend asking someone to be your caregiver in the hospital for a couple of hours;
  • Take painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed;
  • Use a protective sac to protect the testicles;
  • Avoid lifting after varicocele surgery;
  • Use an ice pack to prevent swelling;
  • About six hours after the operation, you can have drinks;
  • You should limit your movement in the first 24 hours after surgery;
  • Avoid strenuous activities for the first two weeks after the surgery, and
  • After two or three weeks, you can exercise but not in a way that causes varicocele recurrence.


General Care after Varicocele Surgery


Continue reading to get more information on other precautions after varicocele surgery.

What to Avoid after Varicocele Surgery?

During the varicocele surgery recovery time, you should refrain from heavy activities such as lifting, pushing, and pulling anything heavier than 10 pounds, bending over, running, swimming, riding a bicycle, and doing aerobics as they may increase the swelling and prolong the pain months after varicocele surgery. Also, it would be best not to sit on the ground or a chair for too long during the first week after the operation. If you have undergone open varicocelectomy, do not scratch or scrub the incision site until your wounds completely heal.

What to Eat to Ensure Faster Recovery after Varicocele Surgery?

Having a proper diet after varicocele repair surgery has an influential role in the speed of the recovery process. During the varicocelectomy recovery, consider the following tips:

  • Right after the varicocele surgery, you may have stomachache and nausea; that's why it is suggested not to eat hard food for six hours after the surgery;
  • If your surgery has been done under general anesthesia, you can have low-fat foods, yogurt, cereal, rice, fruit and vegetables, and bread from a day after the surgery;
  • Have enough fruits, vegetables, and plenty of fluids to avoid constipation;
  • By the time that your stomach is upset, do not have dishes that heighten your constipation and bloating (such as processed foods, red meat, fried foods, vegetables like cabbage and broccoli, and iron supplements) as they may lead to rupture of your stitches;
  • Have more low-fat foods such as plain rice, toast, chicken, and yogurt;
  • Take fiber supplements on your doctor's dissertation;
  • Take prescribed laxatives if you didn't have a bowel movement for 2 or 3 days;
  • Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages for a week after removing the varicocele.


How to Sleep After Varicocele Surgery?

Having a comfortable sleep after varicocele surgery is not as easy as before since your scrotum is swollen and painful for almost 2-3 weeks. During the varicocele surgery recovery, sleeping on your back is better. Do not raise your leg during sleep; put sleeping pillows under your knees to reduce the pressure. After two weeks, your veins will be healed, and you can sleep in whatever position you desire.

How to Sleep After Varicocele Surgery?

Showering After Varicose Vein Surgery

It is recommended not to shower for 48 hours after varicocele surgery. After this period, remove the protective sac and bandages, then wash your body with warm water and soap. Do not sit down when bathing; be careful not to scrub your incision site.

Exercising After Varicocelectomy

Do not push, pull, or lift objects more than five kilograms for the first two weeks after varicocelectomy. Activities that strain or apply pressure on your testicle, such as biking, running, mountain climbing, Pilates, aerobics, and weight-lifting, should be avoided for about a month after the surgery. However, you can walk now and then until your veins are fully recovered.

kegel exercises after varicocele surgery

Having Sex After Varicocele Surgery

Having sex during the varicocele surgery recovery time is not allowed until your wounds are completely healed and your pain is gone. In most cases, the patient should wait at least three weeks before he can have sexual intercourse.

Getting Back to Work After Varicocelectomy

Depending on the type of surgery and the difficulty of your job, it may take one to three weeks for you to get back to work. Patients who undergo laparoscopic and microsurgical varicocelectomy have a shorter recovery period and can return to work a week after the operation. However, if you have a demanding job requiring too much physical exertion, you must wait a month before returning to work. 

Removing Bandages and Sutures After Varicose Vein Surgery

In open varicose vein surgery, an incision is made on the abdomen, and a bandage is placed on the sutures after the operation. This bandage will fall by itself a few days after the surgery. Also, your doctor will absorb or pull out the stitches used in this surgery about a week after the operation. So, not removing them yourself during the varicocelectomy recovery is essential. 

How Long Does Swelling Last After Varicocele Surgery?

Swelling and discomfort after varicocele surgery are normal, but most people find them unbearable. The good news is that the swelling will naturally fade away three to four weeks after the surgery, but you can speed it up by using ice packs and putting one or two pillows under your knee when sleeping. If swelling lasts more than a month after varicocelectomy, contact your surgeon.  

Possible Side Effects of Varicocele Surgery

Just like other surgical procedures, varicocele has short-term and long-term side effects. Usually, the doctor will inform his patient of the possible complications of the surgery in the consultation session. Along with the side effects of anesthesia, varicocele surgery has some possible side effects, such as:

  • It may not improve semen parameters or increase the chances of fertility;
  • In rare cases, a varicocele may recur due to the enlargement of small blood vessels missed during the surgery;
  • Hydrocele (fluid accumulation in the scrotum) is the most common complication of varicocele surgery in 10 to 15% of patients. Although in most cases, this problem is eliminated without surgical treatment, sometimes the patient will need to undergo another surgery to drain the fluid;
  • In some rare cases, the vas deferens may get injured after varicocelectomy. In such a situation, another surgery is needed;
  • Blood clot. When a vessel bleeds after varicocele surgery, the body will form a blood clot to stop the bleeding. However, the body will absorb it after a short period, and performing another surgery is not needed;
  • In some patients, the pain in the groin gets chronic;
  • Several small nerves in the vas deferens are extended to the groin and scrotum. After the surgery, the scrotal sac and the inner part of the tights may be numb for some weeks due to the nerve severance;
  • The testicular may shrink because some blood vessels have been cut, and blood flow in the reproductive organ has been limited.


Varicocele Surgery Complications
Read more: What Are the Side Effects of Varicocele Surgery?


In some cases, chronic varicocele surgery may cause chronic pain for a while.

How to Reduce Pain After Varicocele Surgery?

During the varicocelectomy recovery, you should take painkillers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and Advil to relieve pain and antibiotics to prevent infection. These medications make the swelling and bruising go away faster. Most patients must take sedatives for three days; however, remember that these drugs can cause constipation and other digestive problems. So, the surgeon may prescribe laxatives such as bisacodyl and methylcellulose to increase your bowel movement during the varicocele surgery recovery time. Moreover, as you may have postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), you may need to take anti-nausea pills for a few days. In some cases, where the reason for performing varicocelectomy is fertility problems, the doctor may also prescribe some medications and supplements to treat infertility.

Follow your doctor's instructions for taking medicine after varicocele surgery.

Warning Signs after Varicocele Surgery

Varicocelectomy has some possible complications, such as bruising, infection, pain, testicular tenderness, digestive problems, etc., which are normal. However, if you are facing the following conditions, visit your doctor as soon as possible:

  • Fever above 37.5˚;
  • Chronic pain that does not go away with prescribed painkillers;
  • Bleeding in incision site; and
  • Intense hydrocele.


Is Pregnancy Possible After Varicocelectomy?

Treating varicocele will improve sperm parameters such as concentration, motility, and count by restoring blood flow to the scrotum. Also, the testosterone level in the blood will be regulated after varicocelectomy. So, if the cause of male infertility is varicocele, the man has a higher chance of becoming a father when his varicocele is treated.

Sperm Quality After Varicocele Treatment

Medications after Varicocelectomy

Taking medication after varicocele treatment is important in recovery as it reduces pain, prevents infection, and speeds up wound healing. For an even more comfortable recovery, consider the following tips:

  • Do not stop taking medicines just because you feel better;
  • Avoid taking OTC medications such as aspirin and sedatives at your discretion;
  • If you used to take certain medications, ask your doctor if you can restart them;
  • Take painkillers just as they are prescribed;
  • Take the full course of antibiotics;
  • If you have a drug allergy, inform your doctor;
  • If the medications make you nauseous, take them after meals or ask your doctor to change them. 


Sperm After Varicocele Treatment

Varicocele Recurrence after Varicocelectomy

Varicocele recurrence refers to the dilation of closed veins after varicocelectomy. In other words, during the varicocele surgery, damaged vessels are closed but may swell someday after the operation. The second varicocelectomy has multiple complications, such as hydrocele, scrotal pain, testicle atrophy, etc., so it should be used only in emergencies. Also, it is recommended that color Doppler ultrasound be used to diagnose the recurrent varicocele.

Varicocele Surgery in Iran

Varicocele does not require treatment in all cases. But when varicocele causes pain, testicular atrophy, or infertility, it should be treated surgically. As mentioned, all three methods are practiced in high-standard and equipped clinics and hospitals in Iran. In addition, Iranian urologists offer medical support and follow-up care weeks after the varicocelectomy. 

Last but not least, the price of varicocele surgery in Iran ranges from $800 to $1,500, while it will cost more than $4,000 in the U.S. and Europe. It is worth mentioning that factors such as the severity of the disease, the treatment method, the clinic facilities, and the surgeon's fee affect the cost of varicocele surgery in Iran. 

Varicocele Surgery in Iran

Conclusion

To sum up, varicocelectomy, mostly done under general anesthesia, is a surgical treatment to remove varicocele. Postoperative care is essential and can alter the outcome of the surgery, even though the procedure is straightforward and varicocele recovery time is typically short. 

Raadina Health Team can help you choose the most suitable and affordable varicocelectomy package in Iran. Our packages include applying for a medical Visa, booking doctor's appointments, booking hotels and accommodations near the hospital, arranging transfers, etc.

Contact Us

Contact us for a free initial consultation about varicocelectomy

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FAQs on Varicocele Surgery

1) Does varicocele surgery affect testicle size?

Although varicocele does not affect erection or penial size, it increases the size of testicles.

2) Does varicocele surgery improve testosterone?

One of the aims of varicocele surgery is to increase testosterone production; therefore, testosterone levels increase in 70 percent of the patients who undergo this operation.

3) What are the results of varicocele surgery after six months?

Three to six months after varicocele surgery, sperm parameters such as motility and concentration significantly improve, and you will not have any pain during ejaculation and urination. 

4) How long does it take for varicocele to disappear after surgery?

The inflammation and bruising of the varicocele vein will go away about a month after the surgery. However, varicocele disappears much sooner in people who undergo laparoscopic varicocelectomy.

5) Can I walk after varicocele surgery?

The day after varicocele surgery, you should refrain from unnecessary walks. From the second day, you can walk short distances, but be careful not to strain your testicles.

6) Can I drive after varicocele surgery?

Regardless of the varicocele surgery method, most surgeons recommend not driving for 24 to 48 hours afterward. 

7) Can I climb stairs after varicocele surgery?

You can gently walk up and down the stairs from the second day after the operation, but you should be careful not to put pressure on the testicles.

8) When can I go to the gym after varicocele surgery?

You should stay at home during the first week after this operation and avoid activities that increase your heart rate. You can go for a long (but slow-paced) walk from day 8 of surgery, but strenuous activities like jogging and riding a bicycle are prohibited until your doctor allows you. Most people can resume their daily workouts from week three onwards.  

9) How soon after varicocele surgery can you ejaculate?

Hello Sir. You should avoid masturbating and having sexual intercourse for three weeks after the surgery. Ejaculation puts pressure on your operated veins and increases the risk of bleeding and more swelling. 

10) How many days should I rest after varicocele surgery?

Varicocelectomy is an outpatient procedure, so you will return home after 2-3 hours. To regain your energy, it is better to rest for at least three days after the surgery.


51 comment

Your comment

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    What happens if varicocele surgery fails?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Hi,

      The chance of failure in varicocele surgery is less than 10%; however, if the surgery fails in improving sperm parameters and decreasing the pain, it should be repeated.

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Hi yesterday I had surgery and now I want to know how many days should I rest after varicocele surgery?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Hi,

      Depending on the type and severity of the surgery, most people can return to their normal activities 3 or 4 days after the varicocele surgery. Still, staying in bed for the first couple of days after the operation is suggested. 

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    How long does swelling last after varicocele surgery?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Depending on the type of the varicocelectomy, the swelling may last two to four weeks after the operation.

    • پیش فرض
      User
      -

      After varicocele surgery, those veins are still present in left scrotum. How long it will take to get them away??

      • پیش فرض
        User
        -

        I’m also eager to get the answer, how long it takes the visible veins to disappear?

        • پیش فرض
          فاطمه وجهی
          -

          Hello dear friend 

          They about disappear about a month after the operation

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Is having pain after varicocele surgery normal?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      During the varicocele surgery, the enlarged veins are blocked or tied off, so the other veins in the scrotum swell and cause pain. Usually, the pain is more severe in the left testicle and is only relieved when the swelling and hydrocele subside, i.e., almost three to six weeks after the operation. The best way to reduce pain is lying down for 24-48 hours, placing a cold towel under the testicles, and avoiding heavy activities for a week after the operation. 

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Is varicocelectomy dangerous?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Like other surgeries, varicocelectomy has some risks and complications, such as recurrence of the disease in 9-16% of people, hydrocele in up to 14% of patients, and unbearable pain and testicular atrophy in less than 1% of cases. However, by performing regular examinations, the complications of this surgery can be reduced to a great extent, and there is no need for you to undergo another operation. Also, it should be noted that anyone can undergo varicocelectomy except those with life-threatening diseases.  

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Hi, next week I'm going to have varicocele surgery, and I need to does varicocelectomy increases sperm quality or not.

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Yes. Varicocelectomy improves sperm parameters such as motility, morphology, total count, and concentration. So, in general, varicocele surgery enhances the quality of sperm and reduces male fertility problems.

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    How long after varicocelectomy can I walk?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      If varicocelectomy is done under general anesthesia, you can sit on the bed and hang your legs over the edge of the bed a few hours after the operation. Then, with the help of your caregiver, you can walk a few steps. Of course, it is recommended for you avoid walking for 48 hours after the surgery, except when you want to use the bathroom. 

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    If I do the microscopic varicocelectomy, and then have sex or masturbate 10 days after the surgery please what is the implication?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      If you feel severe pain in your testicles, you may have an infection, and you should visit a specialist, in which case you will not be able to have intercourse. But if you don't have pain, after ten days, you won't have any problem having intercourse; only the probability of pregnancy is low.


      To get advice from whats up 

      00989026921959

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    how i should not put pressure on the testacy after varicocele sergery

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      If you do not feel severe pain one or two days after the operation, there is nothing wrong with returning to the previous position and doing daily activities.


  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    I had open varicocele surgery 21 days ago and I still feel swollen so what is wrong I also sometimes feel pain in the mouth of the penis and what is the cause of it. It should be noted that I had a catheter inserted during the operation.

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      You need to visit a doctor to examine them.


  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    My doctor who did open varicocele surgery advised me to wear underwear up my gall bladder to reduce the swelling and could it be a problem in the future

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      No, it does not cause problems, and it is necessary to maintain them.

      More advice:

      00989026921959

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Can varicocele be life threatening?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      No, varicocele is curable.

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Hi. Four days ago I have surgery and I jerked off myself it's have danger or not ?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Hello

      If you don't feel any pain. no.

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    I'm still experiencing groin pain after 2 years of surgery and my sperm morphology and motility is still low. Please advise what to do.

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Your tests need to be checked. For advice on what's app

      00989026921959

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Helloo j had a varicocelectomy surgery one and a half weeks back. J had sex after three days of the operation but I did not get any pain and negative change, now four days days I jerked myself with a towel and pain started afresh up to now what should I do. It is only right side that is affected but left side is okay.

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    After 4 days of the surgery I have a sex . It's ok or not

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Can I ask. Will having this surgery fix the appearance?

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    I had varicocelectomy surgery one month ago but the moment I had sex my testicle Will start pain and swelling, what can I do?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      You should see a doctor to check if there's infection

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    How long does it take for blood drainage and blood circulation to get better after varicocele surgery(when they cut of the varicose veins) and how long itakes for the sagginess of the scrotum to improve

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Hi i had left varicosele surgery last week , unfortunatley i have mild to moderate pain on my testicle , is it possible the surgary was failed? As i read the patients comment there shoupd not be pain 72 hours after surgery.

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Hello,

      Pain in the testicles after varicocele surgery is normal, but it is better to visit your doctor for an examination.

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    Hello, pls is it normal to still feel the dragging sensation few days after the varicocle surgery?

    • پیش فرض
      Habib Ebrahimi
      -

      Hi 

      Yes its normal

      Dont worry

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    I had my varicocelectomy last February, it's August now, almost 6 months after the surgery and I still feel sharp pain when I tap my testicles gently, and the size did not return to its original size pre-operation it still looks like its swollen. Ive consulted 2 urologist and both said it was normal and they said my operation was a success. But still Im a bit skeptical cause I know my body, please help me and give me advice

    • پیش فرض
      Fatemeh Vajhi
      -

      hi

      After varicocele surgery, there is a possibility of infection, so it is better to visit the doctor again so that the necessary measures can be taken

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    I had my varicocelectomy last may, it's August now, almost 3 months after the surgery and I still feel sharp pain when I tap my testicles.Also I'm not able to jump or do normal excercise without innerwear.And I feel pain while riding a bike(crossing speedbreakers) is it normal?when it will be cured fully?when I can be normal?

    • پیش فرض
      Fatemeh Vajhi
      -

      Hi

      Pain after varicocele surgery is normal until the wound heals

      And if more time passes and there is still pain, you should see a doctor

      Because there is a possibility of infection

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    After varicocelectomy surgery how long does it take for the penis to start erecting or regain erection

    • پیش فرض
      Fatemeh Vajhi
      -

      Hello dear friend

      This case usually occurs after the healing of the operation part

    • پیش فرض
      Fatemeh Vajhi
      -

      Hello dear friend

      This case usually occurs after the healing of the operation part

  • پیش فرض
    User
    -

    How long after the surgery can my son go on vacation with us?

    • پیش فرض
      Fatemeh Vajhi
      -

      Basically, it is possible to travel one week after the operation