What Is A Varicocele?

A varicocele is a swelling in the blood vessels over the testicles. It really is similar to having varicose veins within the legs. The swelling develops when too much blood collects within the veins. A varicocele oftentimes takes place around the left testicle.

Exactly what are the symptoms?

A varicocele in many cases causes no symptoms whatsoever. Or it might create an achy or heavy feel in the scrotum. The pain could be more intense later on during the day or after standing for a long time. You may even observe inflamed veins underneath the skin within the scrotum.

How Is it recognized?

Commonly a varicocele is clinically diagnosed during a physical exam. A testicle with enlarged veins may be more sensitive. A varicocele may also be clinically determined during the course of evaluation for fertility concerns. If you have got soreness but your physician cannot feel any enlarged veins, an ultrasound could be done.

A varicocele can decrease sperm count.

Whenever blood accumulates in the veins over the testicles, changes occur that can lessen the amount and the quality of the sperm. For men who're infertile, about forty percent to fifty percent may have a varicocele. Oftentimes, sperm count heightens after treatment.

Treatments

About 1 in 6 guys have a varicocele. In most situations, a varicocele is not serious. Your doctor might wait and watch the problem. If you have pain, if the veins become unsightly, or should you and your partner are having trouble conceiving a child, your physician may recommend surgical procedures or another procedure to shut off the enlarged blood vessels.

Watchful waiting

If you don’t have any discomfort and your partner and you aren't wanting to have a baby, your doctor might advise just observing the problem for a time. Make sure to keep all of your appointments. If the veins don’t get bigger and they don’t bother you, you possibly will not need additional treatment.

Surgery (Varicocelectomy)

The doctor might advise that you get surgery somewhere in the St. Louis, Missouri area to take care of enlarged veins near the testicles. In some cases, surgery is carried out with a laparoscope (a lengthy, thin, telescope-like device).

•   First you are offered anesthesia to keep you relaxed. You might be asleep.
•   One or more tiny lacerations are made in the groin or mid-section.
•   The blood vessels are then tied up or sealed off.
•   The incision is closed with sutures, staples, or surgical tape.

Varicocele Embolization

Instead of surgery, your doctor may advocate varicocele embolization.
•   Firstly you are given anesthesia so you remain comfortable.
•   Then a tiny incision is made in the groin or side of the neck.
•   A small tube is moved through the incision.
•   Led by x-rays, the physician passes the tube into the varicocele.
•   A tiny coil is sent through the tube. This is to block blood flow to the varicocele.
•   The tube is completely removed. In most cases, stitches are not necessary.

Metropolitan Urological Specialists is proud to offer this and other informational materials about urological health. If you have any more questions for them, stop by one of their offices in St. Louis, Washington, or Florissant, Missouri.