Surreal digital illustration of a man, veins branching outwards, representing health and improved blood flow after treatment.

Unexpected Side Effect? How Vein Treatment Could Be Changing More Than Just Your Legs

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A recent study reveals an unusual consequence of endovenous ablation, prompting a deeper look at its effects on male health and wellness."

For years, people have sought treatments for varicose veins, those unsightly and often uncomfortable bulges that can appear on the legs. Endovenous ablation, a minimally invasive procedure, has become a popular solution. But a recent study has unearthed a surprising side effect: an increase in penile tumescence (swelling) after the procedure. This revelation opens a new conversation about the scope of these treatments and their potential effects beyond the targeted veins.

This unexpected finding, published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, prompts a deeper exploration of how these treatments affect the body. The study's authors investigated the impact of endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) on erectile function, and the results have far-reaching implications. This article delves into the study's findings, offering a comprehensive look at the research and its implications.

This isn't just a medical curiosity. It's a reminder of how interconnected our bodies are and how treatments targeting one area can have unforeseen consequences elsewhere. As we explore the study's data, we will also consider the broader context of men's health and the importance of informed consent when considering any medical procedure.

What the Study Revealed: Unpacking the Link Between Vein Treatment and Penile Tumescence

Surreal digital illustration of a man, veins branching outwards, representing health and improved blood flow after treatment.

The study, which focused on patients undergoing endovenous ablation for GSV issues, used questionnaires to assess erectile function. The researchers were particularly interested in the degree of glans penis tumescence (swelling) during erections. While the primary aim was to evaluate the impact on erectile function, the results took an interesting turn.

The study found that approximately 11% of the participants reported an increased glans tumescence after the procedure. This was a notable contrast to their pre-operative state. While the effect wasn't linked to an overall improvement in erectile function, it was a clear indication that something was happening.

The study included 62 patients.
Seven patients (11%) reported increased glans tumescence after surgery.
The effect was observed at both one week and three months post-operation.
No significant improvement in overall erectile function was observed.

The implications of this finding are twofold. First, it highlights the importance of considering the full range of effects when undergoing medical treatments. Second, it underscores the interconnected nature of the human body, where addressing one issue can inadvertently affect another.

Informed Choices: Navigating Your Health with Confidence

This study serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare providers. As endovenous ablation and similar procedures become more common, understanding the full scope of potential effects—both intended and unintended—is crucial. Patients should be fully informed about all potential outcomes, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2018.06.014, Alternate LINK

Title: Transient Increased Tumescence Of The Glans Penis During Penile Erection After Endovenous Ablation Of The Great Saphenous Vein

Subject: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Journal: Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Jens Cordes, Michael Zimbelmann, Axel S. Merseburger, Mario Kramer, Reinhard Vonthein, Hartwig Büttner, Andreas Recke, Birgit K. Kahle

Published: 2019-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is endovenous ablation and why is it used?

Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to treat varicose veins, which are often unsightly and uncomfortable bulges that appear on the legs. It aims to address issues with the great saphenous vein (GSV). While effective for its intended purpose, a recent study revealed a surprising side effect related to male sexual function.

What unexpected side effect was discovered in a recent study about endovenous ablation?

A recent study published in the *Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders* found that some men who underwent endovenous ablation experienced an increase in glans penis tumescence (swelling) after the procedure. Specifically, the study focused on endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and its effects on erectile function, noting this unexpected change in approximately 11% of participants.

Does the increased penile tumescence observed after endovenous ablation translate to improved erectile function?

The study indicated that while approximately 11% of participants experienced increased glans tumescence after undergoing endovenous ablation for GSV issues, this effect did not correlate with an overall improvement in erectile function. The study included 62 patients, and the effect was observed at both one week and three months post-operation.

Why is it important to discuss the potential side effects of treatments like endovenous ablation with a healthcare provider?

Discussing potential side effects of endovenous ablation, including the surprising effect on glans tumescence, is crucial because it underscores the interconnected nature of the human body. Addressing an issue such as varicose veins and the great saphenous vein (GSV) can inadvertently affect other areas, such as male sexual function. Open communication ensures patients are fully informed and can make empowered choices about their health.

What are the broader implications of the study's findings on endovenous ablation, especially concerning patient care and informed consent?

The study's findings highlight the importance of considering the full range of effects when undergoing medical treatments like endovenous ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV). The fact that 11% of participants experienced increased glans tumescence, even without an improvement in erectile function, suggests that treatments targeting one area can have unforeseen consequences elsewhere. This reinforces the need for healthcare providers to fully inform patients about all potential outcomes, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. It also calls for further research into the mechanisms behind these unexpected effects to better understand and manage them.