I dont think its necessarily from Varicocele. the ache can be caused from simple atrophy of the testicles. I know for me when Im full and using HCG I don't have this problem, but when I don't use HCG I tend to get that achy feeling and it usually starts on the right side. Remember that just because your testes don't feel smaller doesn't mean atrophy is not taking place. I never noticeably shrink up, but I can tell when I'm shut down hard. Im not ruling out varicocele by any means, but I don't think this is always the case. I went to the Doc a while back cause I was feeling the ache and felt a small lump on the epididymis. The Doc told me that it was a clog (collection of fluid), and with time and strong ejaculations it should clear. He also said surgery would no good as it will more than likely happen again. I asked if this could possibly be from getting shut down and then recovering and he said it was very possible. I forget what it is called, but FreakFestMD would know. This is another reason I strongly support remaining in a full normal state.