Varicocele | Classic Symptoms

Varicocele is a condition in which the veins running along the testicles are either partial or completely blocked; thus, producing symptomatic venous insufficiency in the testicles. Varicoceles can markedly reduce the testosterone levels and it has been observed that nearly 20% to 43% men develops it at some point of their life. It may develop in either one or both testicles but it is more likely to occur along the left side because veins in the left testicle are arranged in a loop shape.

There are numerous factors that may cause varicocele such as, an injury, improper vascular function or too much sitting.

What Are Some Classic Symptoms Of Varicocele?

Varicocele is diagnosed by following signs and symptoms:

• Prominent and enlarged veins in the testicle(s)
• Shrinkage of testicles
• Feeling of heaviness in the testicles
• Dull, dragging pain in the scrotum
• One sidedness of the sac

Treatment

Unfortunately, varicoceles are most common in young and otherwise healthy males. Based on latest statistics, the peak age of incidence of varicocele in men is 15 – 35 years. Due to its negative impact on fertility, it is strongly advised to sort treatment options as soon as possible. Varicocelectomy is the surgical procedure that is used very commonly to manage the symptoms of varicocele. This invasive treatment has a number of significant benefits on overall sexual health; for example, improvement in the T levels. Regardless of the invasive nature of this procedure, the risk profile is generally more positive than similar surgical procedures.

There are helpful non-surgical options as well to manage severe degree of this problem. For example, Varicocele embolization is a popular and fairly safe non-surgical treatment option that can help in addressing the symptomatic varicocele. It is preferred over surgical modality because of shorter recovery time, minimal risk of wound infections, no requirement of a surgical incision and high success rate.

Regardless of modality of care, the chances of regaining fertility and impregnating partner are substantial after successful management of varicocele.

Preventing And Fixing Varicoceles Naturally

Besides undergoing surgery, this problem can be treated naturally via horse chestnut extract. It is one of the natural supplement that prevents varicose veins. In fact, according to a new study, this extract is fairly helpful in managing the mild cases of varicocele. Escin is the main component that makes this extract so magical. One of the research studies indicated the beneficial effects of escin on sperm quality and reduction in the rate of varicocele formation. It replenishes the normal functioning of vesicles thus, provides partial or complete relive from varicose veins.

However, it is very strongly recommended to not rely on self-medication and see a healthcare professional for the management of serious issues like varicocele. Latest estimates suggest that 6% cases of male infertility in the United States are due to complicated varicocele.

References

• Damsgaard, J., Joensen, U. N., Carlsen, E., Erenpreiss, J., Jensen, M. B., Matulevicius, V., ... & Salzbrunn, A. (2016). Varicocle is associated with impaired semen quality and reproductive hormone levels: a study of 7035 healthy young men from six European countries. European Urology, 70(6), 1019-1029.
• Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2014). Report on varicocel and infertility: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 102(6), 1556-1560.
• Jiang, C., Liu, S., Sun, G., Xia, S., & Zhao, F. (2015). High varicocel prevalence in young men in eastern China: a cross-sectional study of 1468 men. The Lancet, 386, S76.