A Saint Louis Beginner's Guide to Varicoceles

A varicocele is a swelling in the blood vessels over the testicles. It's just like having varicose veins within the legs. The inflammation takes place when an excessive amount of blood collects inside the veins. A varicocele oftentimes takes place around the left testicle.

Precisely what are the symptoms?

A varicocele frequently produces no symptoms at all. Or it might cause an aching or heavy feel within the scrotum. The pain could be more intense later during the day or right after standing for a substantial period. You may even see inflamed blood vessels beneath the skin in the scrotum.

How's it identified?

Typically a varicocele is identified in the course of a physical exam. A testicle with enlarged blood vessels may be more tender. A varicocele is occasionally clinically diagnosed during examination for fertility issues. If you've got discomfort but your doctor can't feel any enlarged veins, an ultrasound exam might be done.

A varicocele can reduce sperm count. Whenever blood collects in the veins over the testicles, changes occur that decrease the number and the quality of the sperm.For men who're infertile, about 40 % to 50 percent willhave a varicocele. Typically, sperm count increases after treatment.

Treatment Solutions

About one in 6 men have a varicocele. Generally, a varicocele isn't serious. Your doctor might wait and watch the issue. If you have pain, should the veins come to be unattractive, or should you and your sex partner are having difficulty conceiving a baby, the doctor may advise surgery or another procedure to shut off the enlarged blood vessels.

Watchful waiting

If you don't have pain and you and your partner aren't attempting to become pregnant, your physician might suggest just watching the issue for a time. Make sure you keep all your appointments. If the veins do not become bigger and they don't trouble you, you possibly will not need additional treatment.

Surgery (Varicocelectomy)

Your doctor may advise that you get varicocelectomy surgery in the St. Louis, Missouri area to treat enlarged veins around the testicles. Oftentimes, surgery is performed with a laparoscope (a lengthy, thin, telescope-like device).

• First you are given anesthesia so you can stay relaxed. You might be asleep.
• One or more small cuts are made in the groin or stomach.
• 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 physician may suggest varicocele embolization.

• First you are given anesthesia so you remain comfortable.
• Then a tiny incision is made in the groin or side of the neck.
• A tiny tube is moved through the cut.
• Led by x-rays, your doctor passes the tube into the varicocele.
• A little 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.