Varicocele results from the distention of the veins in the scrotum sac. To be more clear Varicocele is an enlarged cell in the scrotum (bag of skin that holds testicles). These enlarged cells transport oxygen-depleted or deoxygenated blood from the testicals and are generally found on the left side of the scrotum. Usually, varicocele occurs when blood collects in the veins instead of flowing out of the scrotum efficiently.
Varicocele is one of the most common conditions that can be found in one in every six men, which implies almost 15% of men may suffer from Varicocele and are usually found at puberty and grow larger overtime. And Did you know? Varicocele is one of the leading causes of male infertility. Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility, affecting 40% of men with low sperm counts. Varicoceles are curable, and as long as neither the male nor female couple has significant reproductive issues, conception without extra fertility therapy may be achievable.
Varicocele Symptoms and Diagnosis
Varicocele, mostly won’t show up with any symptoms, most of the time men are not aware of the suffering until they experience problems with fertility. You can even discover your suffering with Varicocele by an abnormal semen analysis results which is followed up by a doctor’s physical test. When it comes to the signs and symptoms of Varicocele, it often produces no signs or symptoms. Possible signs would be:
- Differences in the size of testicles (one can be noticeably smaller with the other testicle)
- Feeling of heaviness in testicles
- Swollen scrotum, sometimes it can feel like a sac of noodles
- Infertility
- Pain
- Discomfort
A varicocele can be diagnosed in several ways including:
- Physical Exam: Because a varicocele cannot be felt or seen when lying down, your doctor will most likely examine your testicles when you’re standing and lying down.
- Valsalva maneuver: This method is frequently used to detect minor varicoceles. To do the Valsalva technique, you must normally stand, take a deep breath, hold it, and bear down while the doctor examines your scrotum.
- Scrotum ultrasound: A scrotal ultrasonography may be required in some instances. This allows your doctor to acquire a thorough, precise picture of the disease by measuring the spermatic veins.
These diagnoses mentioned above are done, based on your symptoms. A physical exam and further testing, such as an ultrasound scan, to verify the diagnosis. If you and your spouse have been trying to conceive, a sperm analysis may be beneficial. The symptoms and examination are sufficient for making a diagnosis.
As previously stated, some men with varicocele may have scrotal pain. They might also have a poor sperm count, motility, or morphology. If the varicocele is asymptomatic or difficult to feel on physical examination, an ultrasonography scan of the scrotal sac may be scheduled.
Varicocele Causes
Varicocele – a varicose vein in the scrotum is similar to having a varicose vein in the leg. There are various hypotheses and articles concerning the specific cause of these varicocele, but there is no clear cause to be discovered. Though the specific etiology is unknown, one factor that may contribute to varicocele is the dysfunction of valves inside the veins that are designed to keep blood flowing in the appropriate direction. Furthermore, the left testicular vein takes a little different course than the right vein, increasing the likelihood of a blood flow issue on the left.
Complications – Infertility and Varicocele
When it comes to complications of Varicocele, Infertility is one of the most serious complications that would occur when you are dealing with Varicocele.
Infertility:
If you are dealing with Varicocele, then you are at a greater risk of developing Infertility. It is one of the serious complications that can occur. This would probably happen due to the increased amount of blood in the region raising the temperature of the testicles. In a study conducted, between 35 to 40% of men suffering with Primary infertility (when a couple has not been able to conceive after 12 months of trying) has Varicocele. Varicoceles impact 45–81% of males suffering from secondary infertility (Secondary infertility refers to when a couple was able to conceive at least once but is no longer able to do so).
And According to a study conducted in 2016, Almost 15.7% of 7,035 healthy young males assessed between 1996 and 2010 had varicoceles. Varicoceles were also associated with worse sperm quality. Sperm generation is more effective at slightly lower temperatures than body temperature.
Although several studies have demonstrated an elevation in sperm count and quality in men who have had varicocele treatment for infertility, it is still debatable whether or not surgical treatment of varicoceles is successful in increasing pregnancy rates. Some studies have found no difference in pregnancy rates between men who underwent the operation and those who did not. Nonetheless, because the operation is quick to recover from and has a minimal risk, many urologists suggest it, particularly when sperm count or quality are the only factors known to be keeping a couple from becoming pregnant. In this situation, the cost savings over IVF might be considerable. If time is of the essence, a couple may decide to proceed directly to other, more established reproductive treatment procedures, such as ICSI (one of the most effective Infertility treatments for men) ICSI is performed as a part of IVF.
Treatment
The decision to treat a varicocele is influenced by the size of the varicocele, if it causes severe, whether there are additional reproductive problems at play, and also what you and your partner’s suggested fertility treatment regimen looks like.
Varicocele treatment procedure typically is a type of medical process known as Varicocele Embolization, this is a minimally invasive process which is used to block the blood flow in the damaged veins in your scrotum. Varicocele embolization is commonly done as an outpatient procedure with sedation and local anesthetic.
In this process, a small catheter (tube) is introduced through a small skin incision into a leg vein around the hip or a neck vein. Under X-ray supervision, this tube is inserted into the varicocele vein. To check the location of the catheter, small quantities of X-ray dye are injected. The vein is then filled with microscopic coils of stainless steel or platinum, balloons, or other materials. They are utilized to prevent backflow and pressure in the varicocele. Blood can still escape the testicle via regular routes. The catheter is withdrawn when it has been determined that there is no flow in the afflicted vein. If you are experiencing severe pain and swelling in the scrotum, then do acquire Varicocele Embolization Treatment in Hyderabad from our experienced doctor at Flow Vascular Clinic and for more information do contact us or click here to book your appointment.