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What are the symptoms and causes of varicocele? Is varicocele serious?

Goficure - Blog Page - What are the symptoms and causes of varicocele? Is varicocele serious? (Blog Post) Last Updated April 2, 2024

Overview

Varicoceles are enlarged veins that develop inside the scrotum (the pouch that holds the testicles). The condition is very similar to varicose veins that develop in the legs.

A varicocele mostly occurs during puberty. It generally occurs on one testicle, mostly the left one, but in rare conditions, it can affect both testicles.

Varicoceles are generally painless but, in some cases, cause intermittent testicular pain.

A varicocele can cause poor development of the testicle, low sperm count, and decreased sperm quality that can affect fertility, or shrink the affected testicle.

Does varicocele cause permanent infertility?

Research studies have shown that varicoceles can sometimes act as a contributing factor in male infertility.

The veins inside the scrotum are known as pampiniform plexus. An overflow of blood due to valve malfunctioning can swell these veins and cause varicocele.

Varicoceles can raise the temperature of the testicle(s). Increased temperature decreases the testosterone levels. A decreased testosterone level can lead to:

  • Decreased sperm count
  • Production of abnormal sperm
  • Affect sperm motility

The good news is that varicocele is reversible. Varicocele treatment aims to decrease the pressure on the veins which can help in increased sperm production and improve sperm quality.

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What are the symptoms of varicocele?

Most of the time, you may not notice any varicocele symptoms and will be unaware of the condition. Symptoms may occur during hot weather, after heavy exercise, sitting for a long time, or during routine physical examination for infertility problems.

Symptoms of varicocele include:

  • A dull pain in the testicle(s)
  • Feeling heavy in the scrotum
  • A noticeable lump in the affected testicle or scrotum that does not hurt with touch
  • Visible dilated veins in the scrotum (looks like a pouch of worms)
  • The testicles are of different sizes. The affected testicle may shrink in size
  • General discomfort in the scrotum
  • Infertility problems
  • Low testosterone can result in fatigue, low sex drive, difficulty in getting firm erections, etc.

The varicocele pain can grow from dull to sharp pain. The pain worsens after exertion or if you stand for a long time. You can get some relief while lying down.

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What causes varicocele?

The exact cause of varicocele is unknown. The spermatic cord carries the blood from the testicles. The spermatic cord has veins and nerves. The valves in the veins help the blood flow to the heart. If the valves malfunction, the blood may fail to flow in the right direction, pool up, and dilate the veins causing varicoceles.

A kidney tumor can interfere with the normal blood flow and cause varicoceles.

Aging can also cause the vein valves to malfunction. Over time, the valves may lose elasticity and weaken as a natural course of aging which can lead to varicoceles.

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What happens if varicoceles are left untreated?

Varicoceles if not treated on time can damage the testicles. In men, increased pressure due to blood pooling can gradually shrink the testicles due to tissue loss.

During puberty, varicoceles can affect hormone production, reduce testicular growth, and interfere with the normal functioning of the testicles.

Another possible risk associated with varicoceles is infertility. Varicocele can cause overheating which can damage the quality, quantity, and mobility of the sperm. Studies show that around 40% of men with infertility problems have varicoceles.

What age group is most affected by varicoceles?

Varicoceles can occur at any age but they are more common in boys undergoing puberty. Varicoceles can also be congenital and present at birth.

During puberty, the testicles grow, and the blood flow increases. The increased blood flow can create pressure in the veins. The valves may sometimes fail to manage the extra blood and this may lead to varicoceles.

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Final words

Varicoceles are mainly harmless and may not need any treatment. If they are causing pain or swelling, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines. However, if they affect the testicles or impair fertility, the doctor may go for advanced treatment such as surgery.

 

 

Dos
  • Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear
  • Lay down flat and get rest to relieve pain and pressure on the veins
  • Eat fiber-rich food to avoid straining during bowel movements
Don'ts
  • Overexert yourself or strain during exercise
  • Ignore symptoms of pain or discomfort
  • Smoke or drink alcohol

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