Varicocele
Possible solutions:
Varicocele symptoms
Problem description
Infertility has been mentioned in many conversations with friends and in the media lately. One of its causes may be varicocele. What other health risks are associated with it?
What is a varicocele?
Simply put, it is a varicose vein in the loose skin sac that holds the testicles. The veins in this area become enlarged, which can lead to reduced sperm production or even infertility. A varicocele can cause the testicles to shrink or fail to develop properly. The good news is that it can be easily diagnosed and treated with a relatively quick surgery.
Causes of varicocele
The exact cause is not scientifically confirmed, but it is likely related to:
- rapid development/growth of the genitals during puberty,
- improperly functioning vein valves in the spinal cord, which interferes with blood flow and leads to dilation of the veins,
- swelling of the lymph nodes.
What causes untreated varicocele and what are its symptoms?
A varicocele is often not noticed by a man because it occurs without symptoms. If any symptoms occur, it is usually pain in the testicles when standing or during physical exertion. This pain subsides if the man lies on his back. Another prominent symptom is increased temperature of the testicles and increased sweating in the area. Since these are varicose veins, visible thickened and twisted veins are also a symptom.
Untreated varicocele can lead to these three problems:
1. Problem with the development and function of the testicles – the testicle can atrophy, i.e. shrink and soften.
2. Testicular pain – usually occurs on the left side and is probably due to the location of the left testicular vein.
3. Infertility – impaired blood flow to the testicles can lead to reduced sperm production.
Diagnosis and subsequent surgery for varicocele
Diagnosis is performed by a urologist by palpating the testicles, performing the Valsalva maneuver, ultrasonography or spermiogram. Subsequently, microsurgical varicocele surgery is used as the most gentle treatment method.
How can this problem be solved?
Microsurgical varicocele surgery
Treatment of varicocele using the Marmar technique. Microsurgical varicocele surgery using the Marmar technique is an effective method of treating varicocele, or varicose veins of the scrotum. Varicocele treatment is necessary if the patient experiences pain or the appearance of the testicles changes and they begin to look unaesthetic.
Spermiogram
If you want to know how fertile you are, you can have a spermiogram done at our office (in Bratislava or Pieštany). For a spermiogram examination, you need to bring fresh ejaculate (not older than 1 hour), preferably in a sterile tube with a wider neck.
