Ques 1 What is a Varicocele?
Ans Varicocele is a common disorder that enlarges the veins in your scrotum. Your scrotum is the pouch of skin behind your penis that typically contains your testes (testicles). Varicoceles are similar to varicose veins.
Ques 2 Is a Varicocele serious?
Ans Varicoceles aren’t life-threatening. However, a varicocele can be very serious if you’re trying to have a biological child.
Ques 3 How common are Varicoceles?
Ans Varicoceles affect 15% to 20% of all men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) in the United States — about 1 in 5. A varicocele is more likely to occur on the left side of your scrotum because of differences in how blood drains from your left testicle back into the major veins of the body. Less commonly, it can affect the right side or both sides.
Ques 4 What are the symptoms of a Varicocele?
- Dull testicular pain or aching in your scrotum, which often gets better when you lie down.
- Swelling in your testicles or scrotum.
- Shrinking in your testicles (testicular atrophy).
- Inability to achieve pregnancy after at least a year of trying (infertility).
- A small lump above your affected testicle.
Ques 5 What is the main cause of a Varicocele?
Ans The spermatic cord is a band of tissues that holds your testicles in place. These veins return blood from your testicles to your body. The valve acts as a sort of “on/off” switch. It has two flap-like structures that help blood move back toward your heart. When a valve doesn’t work the way it should, blood may build up inside the veins in your testicles. Over time, the veins swell.
Ques 6 Who do Varicoceles affect?
Ans Varicoceles can affect anyone with testicles at any age. Doctors believe that many varicoceles are present at birth (congenital). People often notice a varicocele during their teenage years.
Ques 7 Are there other complications of a Varicocele?
Ans Larger varicoceles may increase your risk of other complications, including:
- Low testosterone (male hypogonadism). People AMAB create testosterone in their testicles. Testosterone is a hormone that initiates male characteristics during puberty.
- Azoospermia. Azoospermia is when you don’t have any sperm in your ejaculate (semen). Sperm cells are reproductive cells that fertilize an egg cell (ovum or oocyte). This creates an embryo that later develops into a fetus. Azoospermia is one cause of male infertility.
Ques 8 How is a Varicocele diagnosed?
Ans A healthcare provider can diagnose a varicocele.
They may also order the following tests to confirm their diagnosis:
Pelvic ultrasound
Semen analysis
Blood test
Ques 9 How do you get rid of a Varicocele?
Ans Varicocele treatment depends on the severity of your varicocele. For low-grade varicoceles, a healthcare provider may recommend at-home treatment options, including:
No treatment. You may not need treatment if your varicocele doesn’t bother you or cause fertility issues.
Changes to your daily routine. You may need to avoid certain activities that cause discomfort. Wearing tighter-fitting underwear (like spandex or elastane) or a jockstrap while exercising or standing for long periods can ease symptoms.
Ice. Applying ice or cold packs to your scrotum may help relieve pain and discomfort. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin. Wrap ice or cold packs in a towel. Apply ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as naproxen and ibuprofen — can help relieve any aching or pain in your scrotum or testicles. Not everyone can take NSAIDs, so it’s a good idea to talk to a provider before you take them.
Ques 10 What is Varicocele surgery?
Ans A varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure that treats severe varicoceles that are painful or affect your fertility. A surgeon who specializes in conditions that affect your urinary system and reproductive system will cut your affected veins and seal off the ends. This redirects blood flow to other healthy veins in your scrotum.