Varicocele is a dilation of the veins of the testicles that causes blood accumulation, pain and the onset of swelling at the site. Usually, it is more frequent in the left testicle, but it can appear on either side, and may even affect both testicles at the same time, being known as bilateral varicocele.
Since varicocele can cause infertility, as blood accumulation may decrease sperm production and quality, it is important to consult the urologist to initiate appropriate treatment and avoid the onset of such complications.
Thus, varicocele is cured by surgery, but not all cases can achieve fertility, especially if there are damage to the structures of the testicles. Know other causes that can cause infertility in man.
Main symptoms
Common common varicocele symptoms may include:
- Pain in the testicles, which can range from discomfort to severe pain;
- Pain that improves when lying on your belly up;
- Swelling or presence of lump in the testicles;
- Feeling of weight in the testicles;
- Infertility;
There are also cases where varicocele does not present any symptoms and can therefore be diagnosed only in routine visits to the urologist.
See other problems that can cause pain in the testicles and what to do in each case.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The varicocele can be identified by the doctor through a palpation examination of the testicles, which should be done lying down and standing, since in some cases varicocele may not be felt in certain positions, and it is therefore necessary to make the evaluation in more than one position.
However, it may also be necessary to perform an ultrasound to identify more closely the affected site and the position of the testicular structures.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment for varicocele is usually only recommended when the man has symptoms. Thus, there is exaggerated pain or swelling, the urologist may indicate the ingestion of analgesic remedies such as Dipirone or Ibuprofen, and the use of testicular suspensions.
However, in cases of infertility, pain that does not improve or problems in the testicular functioning, it may be necessary to have a surgery, called varicocelectomy, that allows to eliminate the problem once and for all.
How is the surgery done
This type of surgery is done under general anesthesia in the hospital and consists of a small cut in the abdomen, where the doctor gives a "knot" to the affected vein, allowing the blood to circulate only through the normal veins.
In the postoperative period of varicocele, mild pain may occur and comfortable underwear should be worn and ice should be applied over the first 24 hours and normal activities may resume within a week.
Possible Complications
When the testicle has a varicocele it is very common that over time it will decrease in size and become softer, losing function. Although the specific cause is not known because this happens, it is possible that it is related to increased pressure in the area.
In addition, if the accumulation of blood in the varicocele causes a rise in the temperature around the testicles, it is also possible that the quality of the spermatozoa is affected, even in the testicle that is not affected, and can cause infertility situations.
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