Infertility in men is a result of multiple reasons such as endocrine diseases, infections, testicular tumor or damage, congenital causes, seminal abnormality, varicocele, and many unexplained factors. Among this varicocele is considered the most common correctable cause of male infertility. However, varicocele doesn't require treatment in all men and for some men with varicoceles can father children, even without intervention. Here, in this article, we are discussing the link between varicocele and male infertility.
What are varicoceles?
A varicocele occurs when one or more veins in the scrotum bulge, allowing blood to pool inside the scrotum. These veins are known as pampiniform plexus. This is similar to varicose veins that typically seen in the legs. In some men, varicoceles are identified as a bag of worms.
Most often, men with varicoceles have no signs or symptoms. However, some may experience discomfort or pain in the testes when they stand for long or sit for an extended period. It is common among people who work standing like guards, post man, police man, military personals, and sales people. It is also very common in men who work hard like machine tool workers, athletes, sportsmen, and men who work in hot areas like smithy foundry bakery and cooks.
Varicoceles in men is quite common and usually doesn't require treatment. How ever if they cause pain in the testes or interfere with fertility then treatment is required.
How are varicoceles diagnosed?
Varicoceles are often diagnosed through self-exam of the scrotum. The patient will be asked to stand for a while so that the urologist can check the scrotum, varicocele is felt as ‘bag of worms’ just above the testes. Cough impulse can be felt in these veins.
A urologist may suggest for a scrotal ultrasound Doppler test. This is to get an exact picture of your scrotum. An ultrasound reveals the images of those veins that are wider than 3 millimeters with blood flowing the apposit way. The ultrasound can also show the size of the testicles. These are useful in deciding the severity and the treatments needed.
How can varicoceles affect fertility?
- Varicoceles can occur in 15% of all men, and 40% of men seeking treatment for infertility have the condition. Many men often don't know that they have varicoceles until they approach for infertility treatment.
- A varicocele can contribute to infertility as the pooled blood caused by the varicocele raises the temperature in the scrotum and decreases sperm production and affects the quality of sperms. This high temperature in the testicles can damage the sperm and cause decreased sperm count, decreased motility of sperm, and an increase in the number of deformed sperms.
- Varicocele's effect on testicles over time will reduce fertility. Men with prolonged cases of varicoceles may experience a condition known as testicular atrophy. A condition in which the testicles shrink and stop effectively producing healthy sperms.
What are the treatments for varicocele?
Most often, varicoceles don't require treatment. Treatment is offered when varicoceles cause
- Fertility problems
- Pain
- Abnormal semen analysis
After a thorough examination, your doctor will decide the treatment methods to reverse your varicocele. Your doctor may suggest both surgical procedures and nonsurgical treatment options. Microscopic Varicocelectomy is the surgical procedure that is recommended to treat varicose. That is the “Gold slandered” of varicocele treatment. This is a surgical procedure that involves tying off the veins that are causing the varicocele. Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy, minimally invasive option, and varicocele embolization are the other types of surgical procedures. All these methods can alleviate the varicocele and lead to improvements in sperm count and quality. Earlier the treatment better is the recovery of the sperm quality. Thus it is prudent to get it treated atb the earliest.
If you are concerned about varicoceles or suspect that the reason behind your infertility issue is varicoceles feel free to contact Urology Hospital, Bangalore. Our expert Urologists help you to detect the severity of your varicoceles more precisely and determine the appropriate treatments.
Reviewed By: Dr Mahendra Jain
Visit Us: best-urologist-doctor.com
Mail Us: urologistbangalore@gmail.com
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Visit Us: best-urologist-doctor.com
Mail Us: urologistbangalore@gmail.com
Book an Appointment: best-urologist-doctor.com/online-appointment
