What every man needs to know about varicocele

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Life hacker figured out why changes in testicular veins can lead to infertility.

What is varicocele

Varicocele Varicocele is a varicose vein located in the scrotum.

The disease is very common. According to Varicocele statistics, it is diagnosed in 15–20% of all men. Usually the left side is affected, less often the right or both testicles at once. The disease can begin in adolescence, when puberty occurs. But more often varicocele occurs after 50 years due to age-related changes in the vessels.

What are the causes of varicocele

They are not exactly known to Varicocele. But scientists suggest that varicocele appears due to a malfunction of the venous valves, which are located inside the vessels and help pump blood through the genitals.

Sometimes, older men develop a Varicocele tumor of the kidney, which blocks the flow of blood through the veins of the scrotum, resulting in varicocele.

Why varicocele is dangerous

Due to varicose veins in the scrotum, a lot of blood accumulates in Varicocele, and the local temperature rises. This is harmful to the production of sperm, they become less mobile, defective and cannot perform their function. And a man develops infertility due to varicocele. Although it can be eliminated if treated on time.

If you do not go to the urologist for a long time, the testicular tissue softens over time, it decreases in size. This condition is called Varicocele atrophy and cannot be cured.

What are the symptoms of varicocele

The disease often has no manifestations. But some men may notice the following signs of Varicocele:

• dull pain or discomfort in the scrotum that goes away if you lie down;
• increased discomfort while cycling or if you stand or walk for a long time;
• an increase in the size of the scrotum on one or two sides;
• inability to conceive a child.

How is varicocele diagnosed?

If the symptoms listed above appear, you need to consult a urologist. On examination, the doctor will be able to determine the degree of varicocele in children and adolescents varicocele:

• 1st degree - the veins in the scrotum are dilated, but not visible, they are determined by touch if a man takes a deep breath and strains;
• 2nd degree - the vessels in the scrotum are slightly noticeable, they can be easily felt without additional manipulations;
• 3rd degree - varicose veins protrude through the skin.

But the main method for diagnosing Varicocele varicocele is scrotal ultrasound. During the examination, the doctor may notice dilated veins, blood congestion when the patient pushes, or that blood flow is directed to other vessels.

Some men who are suspected of infertility are sometimes given a Varicocele spermogram - a study of semen under a microscope - and blood tests for hormones.

How varicocele is treated

Scrotal varicose veins cannot be treated with pills. But special treatment is not always needed. Some patients are prescribed varicocele pain relievers, it is recommended to apply ice to reduce the discomfort. These are temporary measures. Sometimes it is advised to use Varicocele thick underwear.

The only treatment is surgery. Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, the doctor will select the appropriate Varicocele option:

• Vein embolization. Under the control of an X-ray machine, a thin plastic tube is inserted through the skin into the vessel of the scrotum. A substance enters through it, which causes gluing of the venous walls and the cessation of blood flow in the altered plexuses.
• Open surgery. Under local or general anesthesia, your doctor will make an incision in your groin to remove the dilated veins.
• Laparoscopy. It is performed under general anesthesia. Through small punctures in the abdominal cavity, the surgeon inserts instruments that allow removing damaged vessels.