When the veins within the scrotum or along the spermatic cord that holds up a man's testicles get enlarged, it leads to a varicocele. Varicoceles build up over a period of time, but luckily are very easily diagnosed and mostly do not require treatment. In case varicocele symptoms progress, you can get it corrected surgically. Studies show that people who are overweight are at higher risk of varicoceles. Varicocele is not a serious problem, but it could affect the sperm count.
Most of the time a varicocele does not produce any signs or symptoms, nor does it cause any pain. If symptoms arise, it could be veins twisted and distended in the scrotum or a lump in the testicle that does not pain, and inflammation of the scrotum. If the varicocele causes pain, it could either become worse as the day progresses, hurt more while exerting yourself physically or while standing for a long time, fluctuate between dull discomfort to sharpness or a heavy feeling, and you could feel relief while lying on your back. If you notice a lump or mass on your scrotum and/or feel swelling or pain in your scrotum, get in touch with your doctor immediately.
When valves within veins present alongside the spermatic cord thwart proper blood flow, it leads to the formation of varicocele. This, in turn, causes the backing up of blood that causes the veins to swell and broaden considerably. It is most commonly seen in 15 to 25 year old men, and it usually affects the left side of the scrotum. Varicoceles develop gradually over time. If it appears rather unexpectedly, it could be due to a tumor on the kidney that obstructs the flow of blood to the veins. The occurrence of varicocele in a single testicle can have an effect on the production of sperm in both testicles. A varicocele is typically not harmful, and with surgery, your sperm count will most likely improve.
In most cases, treatment is not required, but if the varicocele leads to infertility or testicular atrophy or causes you pain, you might have to undergo surgery to repair the varicocele. Corrective varicocele surgery is known as varicocelectomy. It can be done as either an open surgery or laproscopically. This will help transmit the blood flow into veins that have not been affected, while sealing off the vein that is affected. You will be required to place an ice pack on the area for 24 hours to help decrease inflammation caused due to the surgery.Another surgery option is varicocele embolization, where a catheter is placed in either your groin or neck from which a coil is released to help repair the flow of blood. The risks associated with varicocele are few, but could include hydrocele or fluid building up around the testicles, artery damage, and reappearance of varicoceles.
Natural cures for men suffering from varicoceles include wearing snug underwear or a jock strap that could help alleviate any distress or pain that you are experiencing. If the pain persists, you will have to opt for additional treatment.
Risks of Surgery
The biggest complication that one could face from varicocele is infertility. Issues that could arise after treating a varicocele are infection, atrophic testis, a blood vessel or scrotum getting injured, and the formation of blood clots. Check with your doctor if you continue to feel discomfort after surgery.
There are various kinds of home treatments that one can opt for to try to get rid of a varicocele; some of them are as follows.
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