What Is Varicocele?
Varicocele is a common condition in men that can significantly affect reproductive health. It occurs when the veins surrounding the testicles become enlarged and swollen, often leading to discomfort, testicular shrinkage, and problems with sperm production.
As one of the leading causes of male infertility, varicocele most frequently affects the left testicle. Symptoms can vary from person to person; while some men may experience no symptoms at all, others may suffer from considerable discomfort. Fortunately, varicocele is a treatable condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Varicocele?
- Pain in the testicles (which may increase with physical activity)
- Testicular shrinkage or asymmetrical appearance
- Noticeable swelling in the scrotum and visibly enlarged veins
- Infertility
What Is Varicocele Surgery?
Varicocele surgery is a medical procedure performed to correct the enlarged veins around the testicles. The surgery can help reduce pain, improve testicular size and function, and may restore fertility in some cases. Several surgical techniques are available, including:
- Open Surgery (Varicocelectomy): Involves tying off the enlarged veins through a small incision under general or local anesthesia.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive option offering less pain and faster recovery.
- Microsurgical Varicocelectomy: Uses a surgical microscope for precision. It has a high success rate.
- Percutaneous Embolization: A non-surgical method where a special substance is used to block the affected veins under local anesthesia.
Varicocele surgery costs vary depending on the method used. Varicocele surgery prices may vary depending on the selected varicocele treatment methods, healthcare professional fees, aftercare, and the complexity of the treatment.
What Are the Risks of Untreated Varicocele?
If left untreated, varicocele can lead to several complications, including:
- Infertility: Increased testicular temperature from poor blood flow may impair sperm production, quality, and motility.
- Testicular Atrophy: Swollen veins may damage testicular tissue over time.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Decreased testosterone production can occur.
Chronic Pain: Varicocele pain, persistent discomfort, especially during physical activity.
Post-Surgery Care After Varicocele Treatment
After varicocele surgery, rest at home for a few days is crucial. Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for several weeks. Pain in the initial recovery period is common and can be managed with prescribed medications.
To support healing:
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry
- Follow the doctor’s instructions for dressing changes
- Avoid full-body showers or baths in the early days
- Wear supportive underwear to reduce pain and protect the surgical site
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
- Watch for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge, and contact your doctor if they occur
Can Varicocele Cause Infertility?
Yes, varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility. The condition occurs when veins in the scrotum enlarge, disrupting normal blood flow and increasing testicular temperature. This can damage sperm production and reduce sperm count, motility, and morphology, leading to infertility if left untreated.
What Happens If Varicocele Is Not Treated?
If varicocele is not treated, several problems may arise:
- Infertility due to poor sperm parameters
- Cosmetic changes or shrinkage in the testicles
- Hormonal issues such as low testosterone
- Persistent testicular pain
- Psychological impact such as stress and depression due to chronic pain and fertility concerns
What Causes Varicocele in Men?
Varicocele can occur at any age but typically develops during puberty and may progress over time. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, contributing factors may include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Increased abdominal pressure from physical strain or certain activities
- Anatomical differences between the left and right testicular veins
- Valve malfunctions in the scrotal veins, leading to blood pooling
Can Men With Varicocele Have Children?
Yes, many men with varicocele can father children—especially in mild cases where sperm production is not severely affected. However, in more advanced cases, natural conception may be difficult.
Varicocele surgery significantly increases the chances of natural conception by improving sperm quality. If pregnancy does not occur naturally after surgery, assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) can help couples achieve parenthood.
