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They're Too What?

One Man Shares His Reaction to a Diagnosis of Varicoceles

By Mark Stackpole

and a few other toys waiting. I plan to keep shopping.

I took an emotional kick right to the old manhood. Eventually, I had surgery where no man even wants to think about having surgery. The manhood wobbled, but the man remained standing. OK, a few times, she had to prop me up, but what man can't say that of his wife? If it means that one day, I will be holding my son or daughter in my arms, feel free to kick me again. With the love and support of my wife and family, I can take it. And I have no doubt that it will be worth it.

That bashful grin has been etched on my face. My shoulders are thrown back, and my stride is purposeful. And those casual jokes? I've got a million of them ... but none that I can tell here.

Want to see more?

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• Cruele r Than Hope: Handling the Disappointments of Trying to Conceive
• Egg Day: Taking the Next Step Toward Conception
• Male Infertility
• Eight Ways to Improve Male Fertility
• The Most Common Myths About Infertility