The effect of Varicocele on fertility
When we hear about varicose veins, we always imagine those in the legs that many women suffer from, especially during pregnancy. However, even men suffer from varicose veins; the most common type of this condition is varicocele. This article will discuss varicocele, its causes, treatment, and its impact on male fertility and reproduction.
What is varicocele?
Varicocele is a condition in men when the blood vessels in the scrotum, the sac that holds the testicles, become enlarged. These blood vessels in the scrotum carry oxygenated blood from the testicles. Varicose veins occur when blood collects in the blood vessels instead of exiting the scrotum successfully as it usually would. This condition occurs during puberty and develops over time. It may cause pain and discomfort, but in most cases, it does not cause any symptoms or complications. However, it may affect the expected growth of the testicle. It may also cause weak sperm production and some problems that negatively affect male fertility. These complications can be treated through varicocele surgery, which we will discuss later in this article.
Symptoms
The enlargement of the blood vessels usually occurs on the left side of the scrotum; this enlargement usually does not lead to any symptoms. However, in some cases, signs appear that may be symptoms of varicocele. The most important of these are the following:
- Severe pain and discomfort usually occur while standing or at the end of the day. The pain often goes away once you lie down and rest.
- A mass in the scrotum, if the varicocele is significantly enlarged, a mass resembling a bag of worms appears above the testicle. If the varicocele is small, it often cannot be seen but can be touched.
- There is a difference in size between the testicles, as the testicle affected by varicocele is noticeably smaller.
- Fertility problems: Some types of varicocele affect fertility, but it does not necessarily mean that fertility is affected.
Causes
There is no apparent reason for this condition to date, and it has not been shown that there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing it in some people more than others. Varicocele occurs when blood does not move normally in the blood vessels; it collects and causes swelling and bulges in the form of varicose veins in the scrotum, which contains arteries, veins, and nerves that support the testicles.
Varicocele and fertility
This condition may affect sperm and male reproductive health in about 10 to 20% of affected men. It has been shown that 40% of men who have fertility problems or are infertile have varicocele. However, having this condition does not necessarily affect a man's fertility.
Treatment
Not all cases require treatment, except in the following cases:
- Having pain and feeling uncomfortable.
- Testicular atrophy.
- Fertility problems or infertility.
Treatment options
Home remedies
Wearing tight underwear or a jockstrap helps increase testicle support and sometimes relieves pain in addition to taking pain relievers when needed.
Varicocele surgery
It is a simple one-day surgical procedure performed by a urologist who makes a surgical incision and then ties off the enlarged vessels, allowing blood to flow normally to the unaffected vessels.
Varicocele Embolization
It is also a one-day operation but less invasive than the previous one. A catheter is inserted into the affected vessels to drain the blood and prevent it from accumulating in the vessels affected by varicose veins.
To sum up,
Varicocele may affect male fertility and may cause infertility. Although it is usually painless, it is annoying for some; in some cases, it requires surgical treatment, especially if you want to have children. It is essential to consult a specialist if you have trouble conceiving, and to conduct the necessary tests to find the suitable treatment and increase your chances to conceive.
