What varicoceles is, and its causes and treatments.
What Is Varicoceles?
Varicoceles is when varicose veins develop in the testicles. The veins along the spermatic cord, which hold the testicles up, widen. These swollen veins can be seen in the scrotum upon examination or there may be a visible lump. This condition is most common in young men between the ages of 15 and 25 years old and is a cause of infertility.
What Causes Varicoceles?
There are valves inside the veins which assist in the flow of blood to the area. If these valves are not functioning correctly, the blood cannot flow properly which causes a swelling of the veins. Rarely, varicoceles may be caused by a kidney tumor, as these can block blood flow to the veins, or by another circulation disorder.
Treatment Types
It may not be necessary to have invasive treatment. Sometimes all that is necessary is wearing supportive, tight fitting underwear or a scrotal support (jock strap), or both. The downside of this is that tight fitting underwear can reduce your sperm count which will make it more difficult if you want to try for a baby. However, if you don't take corrective measures, then the condition may cause infertility.
You may need a procedure called varicocele embolization, where a catheter will be placed into a vein in your groin and then, using X-ray, the doctor will move the catheter to the varicocele. A coil is placed through the catheter into the varicocele, which cuts off the blood supply to it. Blood is then re-directed to the healthy veins.
Another, more invasive method of treatment is a varicocelectomy. This is where you are given a local anesthetic and a surgeon will make a cut in your abdomen and tie off the abnormal vein. This is a more major procedure than an embolization and it will take you longer to recover afterwards.
After Care
You will have to wear a scrotal support (jock strap) and use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling afterwards. You can also take the homeopathic remedy, arnica, which may take the edge off pain and aid in a quicker recovery process.
Risks
There is a chance with these treatments that you may get an infection that may require antibiotics, you may attain an injury to your scrotum during the procedure, or to blood vessels and blood clots may develop.
Most of time, these surgeries are not done as varicoceles are usually mild, but if it impairs your fertility you may be offered surgery.
