Male 'problem' and private referral back to GP/NHS

[Deleted User]

Hi guys,
I've had a guy problem called a 'varicocele' (Enlargement of the veins in the scrotum) for over 15 years and decided to finally get it checked out. The GP referred me over the phone to have an ultrasound which has been complete, still awaiting results but this was just a general ultrasound. Unfortunately this issue is overlooked by many doctors who don't see it as a major issue.

I wanted to look at my options should my GP brush it off (when she gives the results - Luckily nothing sinister according to the radiologist)  and I want to ask if it's possibly to pay for a private urologist who specialises in this issue who can then (hopefully) refer me back to the GP for something known as an emboilisation (minimally invasive procedure in which the blood supply to masses or vessels which are causing symptoms in a patient is cut off). Can this be done or does the private specialist expect you to go through with it privately?

The reason I ask is because from what I've read, this issue is quite sensitive with a track record of doctors brushing it off and men having to go through multiple 2nd opinions/referrals before they find someone who actually understands the issue.

*I know, I know. Googling symptoms. But I'm certain this is my issue, the radiologist even mentioned the name of the cyst that showed on the scan which I already knew from diagrams of a varicocele.

TL;DR - If a GP won't refer me to a urologist, is it possible to have a private consultation then be referred back to the NHS for treatment? I've had this for over 15 years and I'm tired of it! I only started reading about it a few weeks back and the treatment  has been well received.

Thank you

Undervalued

The short answer is yes. You can pay for a private consultation and if that indicates that something needs doing you can go back to your GP with that expert opinion. The GP would have little alternative but to refer you, either to another urologist for a further opinion or directly for treatment.

However, at the moment unless it is considered life threatening there may well be a significant wait for NHS treatment.

[Deleted User]

Undervalued said:

The short answer is yes. You can pay for a private consultation and if that indicates that something needs doing you can go back to your GP with that expert opinion. The GP would have little alternative but to refer you, either to another urologist for a further opinion or directly for treatment.

However, at the moment unless it is considered life threatening there may well be a significant wait for NHS treatment.

Thank you. I'll wait for the GP to give their opinion of course, It may be all I need but not holding my breath. I'm not too concerned with the wait time as long as I know something is being done.
I'm assuming private specialists pretty much all work the same in this respect?

wazza99

My son did similar, GP wouldn't refer him for a knee issue, he paid for a private consultation and MRI and with the results presented back to the GP, he was instantly referred to a NHS surgeon and went on to have a corrective procedure without issue.

Robin9

Undervalued said:

.............

However, at the moment unless it is considered life threatening there may well be a significant wait for NHS treatment.

You may not have to wait long. My doctor mad a referral at my request to a Urologist 2 weeks ago and I have an appointment mid December.

It looks like the NHS have contracted this out as the appointment is at a BUPA hospital.

[Deleted User]

wazza99 said:

My son did similar, GP wouldn't refer him for a knee issue, he paid for a private consultation and MRI and with the results presented back to the GP, he was instantly referred to a NHS surgeon and went on to have a corrective procedure without issue.

Super helpful, thanks. I've my GP call scheduled Monday so hopefully it won't come to it but not holding my breath.Robin9 said:

Undervalued said:

.............

However, at the moment unless it is considered life threatening there may well be a significant wait for NHS treatment.

You may not have to wait long. My doctor mad a referral at my request to a Urologist 2 weeks ago and I have an appointment mid December.

It looks like the NHS have contracted this out as the appointment is at a BUPA hospital.

Great to hear! Fingers crossed.

Sncjw

If you see a private Dr and then want to go to nhs your wait time will start again. You wouldnt be seen and treated straight away in nhs.. You would have to follow the 18 week pathway. That is that you will be seen my Dr for initial appointment in nhs if reefered by gp within 18 weeks of refferal. Of course covid is pushing these appointments back. 
You would likely not get treated straight away you would need consultations and maybe tests before treatment.. Many think that moving back to nhs from private you will get sorted quicker but that's not the case. Also many drs who do private work also work for nhs so you may see the same Dr. 

[Deleted User]

Sncjw said:

If you see a private Dr and then want to go to nhs your wait time will start again. You wouldnt be seen and treated straight away in nhs.. You would have to follow the 18 week pathway. That is that you will be seen my Dr for initial appointment in nhs if reefered by gp within 18 weeks of refferal. Of course covid is pushing these appointments back. 
You would likely not get treated straight away you would need consultations and maybe tests before treatment.. Many think that moving back to nhs from private you will get sorted quicker but that's not the case. Also many drs who do private work also work for nhs so you may see the same Dr. 

Thank you. My main concern is just getting to someone who understands the issue rather than the typical GP umbrella response. 

[Deleted User]

Just to update. I got a referral to a urologist but they were useless.
The issue I have is quite clearly identified whilst in the standing position (blood pools making the veins dilate) but the urologist had me lie down and said everything looks fine.

My GP even said they want this checked ASAP because of fertility issues and the uro mentioned nothing of this
I mentioned I'm in discomfort every single day and that it's only when I stand (as is 99% of all males who suffer with this) but he said he can feel lying down and can tell it's not serious.

Now I'm left to overthink until after Christmas, my GP is not back until January so I feel like I have to rant.

This male issue is widely known for having very little understanding and being brushed off.

If my second opinion says "no" to non-invasive procedure what are my options? I can't afford private. (around £3000)

Cheers.

theoretica

I have found the phrase 'I am glad it is not serious but it is significantly affecting my quality of life' useful in the past. 

[Deleted User]

theoretica said:

I have found the phrase 'I am glad it is not serious but it is significantly affecting my quality of life' useful in the past. 

Thank you. I think this is what annoyed me, the uro didn't give any type of alternative. I'm hoping to get the 2nd opinion and through then I'll go from there, if nothing comes of that then I'll go private for a uro and hopefully they'll be more understanding in referring me.

I know it's frowned upon researching your health issues online but for over 10 years I've know exactly what this thing was and also that I had a tiny ball above my testicle which i also knew the name through diagrams. I then found a place were men dealing with this have all said the same, the uro's have passed it off as nothing.