Everything You Need To Know About Varicoceles
What Is Varicocele?
A varicocele occurs when a bulge results from enlarged veins inside the scrotum. The swelling typically resembles an enlargement above the testicle, without discoloration.
The testes are outside of the body because of the requirement for sperm production to be at two degrees cooler than the body. With a varicocele, the increased temperature in the testicles damages or kills the sperm.
Around 15 percent of men in the general population have a varicocele, and that rate dramatically increases to 40 percent in those men who suffer from primary infertility.
Causes Of Varicocele
A varicocele occurs when veins in the scrotum become enlarged. Every vein has a valve that prevents blood from flowing backward, but sometimes the valve fails. This causes blood to flow back, damaging the vein and causing swelling.
Varicoceles often form during puberty. Varicoceles usually occur on the left side, most likely because of the position of the left testicular vein.
Doctors do not fully understand what causes the valves to fail and cause varicoceles. They are common and do not usually mean that a person has an underlying health problem.
Research published in 2014 found that smoking may be a risk factor for varicoceles, as it damages a person’s blood vessels. The same study found no link between alcohol or occupation and varicoceles.
Rarely, a growth in the stomach can put pressure on the veins, causing a varicocele. This issue is more common in men of more than 45 years of age.
In many people, a varicocele has no apparent cause.
Symptoms Of Varicocele
Often, a varicocele does not produce any symptoms. Rarely, it might cause pain. The pain may:
- Vary from sharp to dull discomfort
- Increase with standing or physical exertion, especially over long periods
- Worsen over the course of a day
- Be relieved when you lie on your back
- Impaired fertility
Treatment Of Varicocele
Varicoceles that do not cause symptoms do not require treatment. A varicocele may need treatment when:
- A man has a varicocele and a low sperm count or other problems with sperm. (SpermBoost treats low sperm count)
- The varicocele is causing pain or swelling.
- A couple has unexplained infertility, and the male has a varicocele.
When people chose to have treatment, they have two different options:
Embolization Surgery
Varicocele And Male Fertility
What is Varicocele And How Does It Affect Male Fertility?
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds your testicles (scrotum). It is a common cause of male infertility and can lead to low sperm production and decreased motility and quality. Most people with a varicocele do not have symptoms, but some may experience fertility issues.
Most men who have varicoceles do not have fertility problems. Infertility rates among those with varicoceles, however, are higher than those without them. This difference may be because varicoceles interfere with the body’s ability to make and store sperm.
A 2014 study gathered data on 816 men with infertility issues, and almost one third had a varicocele. This frequency suggests that varicoceles are sometimes, but not always, a factor in infertility.
A 2012 meta-analysis of previous studies found some evidence that treating a varicocele might improve fertility, especially if the cause of a couple’s infertility is unknown. However, the researchers caution that the evidence is weak, and so more research is needed.
You must be logged in to post a comment.