What are some exercises that make your shoulders more flexible?

Would these exercises increse inter-abdominal pressure and make varicocele worse?

• I have varicocele on my left testicle (grade 2) and a smaller one on my right testicle (grade 1). I began doing a workout twice a week. I think my right testicle has begun to ache more and possibly has enlarged. These are the exercises I do: For abs: crunches 3 sets For lats: pullups 3 sets For lats: dumbbell rows 3 sets For chest: pushups 3 sets For chest: dumbbell flys 3 sets For legs: lunges 3 sets For biceps: barbell curls 3 sets For triceps: dumbbell french press 3 sets For shoulders: alternating dumbbell press 3 sets For shoulders: side raise 3 sets I really enjoy working out but I am concerned about making my varicoceles worse. What do you think? Should I continue working out, or do you know if any of these exercises are likely to increase inter-abdominal pressure and thus make varicocele worse? Has anyone got varicocele and works out as well?

• Answer:

  Your exercises could have a negative effect on the varicoceles. Most often men are not aware if they have a varicocele unless it is causing symptoms such as swelling of the testicles or pain. It is usually found during a thorough physical. Most often it is caused by deterioration of the small one way valves inside the veins that does not allow blood to drain normally from the testicles. The only treatment for varicoceles is surgery. It is done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia, "conscious" sedation or general anesthesia as the patient requests. Since the doctor knows the extent of the varicocele enlargement he is the person best qualified to answer this question. What will be the extent of the effects if you continue to exercise? What treatment he may use to solve the problem? For now keep exercising. Best of luck