Stylized representation of blood flow changes after varicose vein treatment.

Swelling After Vein Treatment? What You Need to Know

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the unexpected link between varicose vein ablation and temporary glans penis tumescence. Is it a cause for concern?"

Many people seek relief from varicose veins through modern treatments like endovenous ablation. This minimally invasive procedure has become a popular alternative to traditional surgery, offering a quicker recovery and less discomfort. However, like any medical intervention, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects, both common and unexpected.

Schuller-Petrovic et al., in a previous study, highlighted common side effects of endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV), including bruising, pain, hematoma, phlebitis, and skin discoloration. While these are important to note, there's another, less discussed side effect that might catch some men by surprise: changes in penile tumescence.

A recent study aimed to investigate the impact of endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) on the degree of tumescence of the glans penis during penile erection as well as on global erectile function (EF). This article delves into the findings of this research, shedding light on a surprising connection and offering insights for those considering or undergoing varicose vein treatment.

The Unexpected Link: GSV Ablation and Glans Penis Tumescence

Stylized representation of blood flow changes after varicose vein treatment.

The study revealed that some men experienced a temporary increase in the tumescence (swelling) of the glans penis after undergoing endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein. Specifically, about 11% of participants reported this effect, noticing that the glans penis felt larger or firmer during erection compared to before the procedure.

It's crucial to understand that this side effect, while potentially alarming, was generally transient. Here's what the research indicated:

Timing: Three patients (5%) reported increased tumescence within the first week after surgery. Four patients (7.4%) noticed the effect approximately three months post-surgery.
Erectile Function: Interestingly, the tumescence was not necessarily linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). Three of the seven men who experienced this side effect had normal erectile function scores.
Improvement: One patient who had mild ED before the operation actually saw an improvement in erectile function following the procedure.

The findings suggest a connection between the great saphenous vein and the blood flow dynamics in the pelvic region. Ablation of the GSV might alter venous drainage, potentially leading to increased blood flow to the glans penis during erection. However, the exact mechanisms are still being explored.

What This Means for You

While this study highlights a potential side effect of endovenous GSV ablation, it's important to maintain perspective. The vast majority of men undergoing this procedure will not experience increased glans penis tumescence. For those who do, the effect appears to be temporary and not necessarily detrimental to erectile function. It could be of interest for insufficient responders to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors with varicosis of the GSV in the future.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the connection between endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and glans penis tumescence?

The research indicates a temporary increase in the tumescence of the glans penis after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV). Specifically, about 11% of participants reported this effect, experiencing a larger or firmer glans penis during erection. This suggests a connection between the great saphenous vein and blood flow dynamics in the pelvic region. Ablation of the GSV might alter venous drainage, potentially increasing blood flow to the glans penis during erection.

How common is increased glans penis tumescence after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV), and is it a cause for concern?

Increased glans penis tumescence is not a common side effect. According to the study, it was reported by about 11% of the participants after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV). It's generally considered a transient effect, not necessarily detrimental to erectile function. The vast majority of men undergoing the procedure will not experience this.

When does increased glans penis tumescence typically occur after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV), and how long does it last?

The timing of increased glans penis tumescence varied among the participants after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV). Three patients (5%) reported it within the first week after surgery, while four patients (7.4%) noticed the effect approximately three months post-surgery. The duration is not explicitly stated as it is a temporary effect, it resolves over time.

Does the increase in glans penis tumescence after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) affect erectile function (EF)?

The study found that increased glans penis tumescence after endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) was not necessarily linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). Three of the seven men who experienced this side effect had normal erectile function scores. Interestingly, one patient with mild ED before the operation actually saw an improvement in erectile function following the procedure.

What are the other common side effects associated with endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV), besides changes in penile tumescence?

Besides the less discussed side effect of changes in penile tumescence, Schuller-Petrovic et al. highlighted common side effects of endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV), including bruising, pain, hematoma, phlebitis, and skin discoloration. These are important considerations for those undergoing the procedure.