Varicocele

[dober-man]

Hi all,
New to the board (which has been very helpful from what I have read so far). I am getting surgery on a bilateral varicocele in a few weeks and this was suggested because of the size and fertility reasons. I have a very large one on my left side and a small one on my right side. Once the varicocele surgery is completed, will the "sack of worms" feel go away? I know I have heard that the vein is tied off (I think) and I was curious as to what happens to the "sack of worms". My sperm count is just below normal, but we have been trying to conceive for over a year and a half now so we are hoping this will help. Also, what kind of recovery time am I looking at? I have read different things on the internet and was not sure what to expect.
Thanks.

[armenkassabian]

The sack of worms will go away but it may take up to 6 months for it to subside. Spermatazoa mature in a 72 day cycle so your 'new' sperm will not be active for about 3 months after the surgery. Recovery times are based on surgical technique - with a subinguinal approach, the recovery is under 2 weeks and you will be able to return to work the following day. The most common complication is a hematoma and a hydrocele but these are under 5% incidence. If varicocele excision does not work, your best bet is intrauterine insemination or IVF. Hope it was helpful.

[dober-man]

Thank you very much for the insight. We have had 2 unsuccessful IUI's and hoping it won't come to IVF because of $$$ reasons.