Pain during sex
It is most often associated with the following problems:
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 disrupts blood flow and leads to dilation of the veins,
- swelling of the lymph nodes.
What causes untreated varicocele and what are its symptoms?
Varicocele is often not noticed by men because it occurs without symptoms. If any symptoms appear, they are usually testicular pain 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:
- Problems with the development and function of the testicles – the testicles can atrophy, meaning they shrink and soften.
- Testicular pain – usually occurs on the left side and is likely due to the location of the left testicular vein. It is usually sharp, sometimes feels like a strong pressure, and is relieved by lying down. Along with the pain, swelling of the left side of the testicles may also occur.
- Infertility – impaired blood flow to the testicles as well as their atrophy and softening can lead to reduced sperm production and thus male infertility.
Diagnosis and subsequent surgery for varicocele
Diagnosis
A urologist can diagnose varicocele. Based on the symptoms and general health, it is relatively easy to determine whether a man has this problem. The examination consists of palpating the testicles, as the enlarged veins can be felt during palpation. The doctor also checks the softness of the scrotum to rule out or confirm its atrophy. If the diagnosis is not possible based on the appearance and palpation of the testicles alone, modern imaging methods are also used, especially ultrasonography, but also tomography or Doppler diagnostics.
The so-called Valsalva maneuver is also used during the examination. The man takes a deep breath while standing and holds his breath, while tensing his abdomen and pelvic muscles as if he were having a bowel movement. Then he exhales sharply. This causes changes in the testicles that the doctor can easily notice.
The last diagnostic method is a spermiogram, which determines the amount of sperm in the ejaculate. This examination is important for determining male infertility.
Microsurgical operation for varicocele
This is the most gentle treatment for varicocele, in which only a small wound is created. Microsurgical operation for varicocele is performed under an operating microscope, thanks to which even the smallest veins are well captured. You don’t have to worry about pain either – the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. It is most often performed in the morning, on an empty stomach, and the patient can go home in the evening. The wound is then treated with disinfectants and bandaged regularly. During the operation, problematic veins are interrupted or tied. The wound (in the groin area) is then sutured and an anesthetic is applied to the area to numb it and prevent the patient from experiencing pain upon waking. After the operation, the patient is monitored for the next five hours. He should go home accompanied by another person and must not drive a car for 24 hours.
Vaginal atrophy and vaginal dryness
Dryness and a decrease in local immunity of the vagina are a phenomenon associated with the aging of the female body and with infections of the vagina and urinary tract. Under these circumstances, the vagina and urethra do not work in a physiologically optimal state. As a result of a decrease in the defenses of the mucous membranes, recurrent infections of the vagina and urinary tract occur, whether chronic bacterial or fungal. The certified laser treatment RENOVALASE® / Fotona / is a gentle and painless method of rejuvenating the mucous membrane of the vagina and urethra, a way to improve the moisture and defenses of the mucous membrane.
