In this article, we are going to discuss Testicular varicocele, regarding its clinical picture (symptoms, signs) , effect on male fertility and its effect on sexual potency .
What is Testicular varicocele
It is a pathological dilatation and swelling of veins in the scrotum or spermatic cord in the male. Have you ever noticed someone old with blue or purple swollen veins on his legs? Varicocele is a similar condition, but the dilated veins are too small that many men do not notice that they already have.
What is the definition of the word varicocele?
Varicocele is swollen dilated elongated veins in the testicles. It is a very common condition especially in men between the ages of 15 and 25, and usually painless.
What are the causes of a varicocele?
The spermatic cord is a body part that connect veins, tubes, arteries and nerves that to the testicles. Normally the veins carry the blood from the tissues of the body to the heart, the veins contain valves that keep the blood flowing in the right direction. However, sometimes the valves do not function in the manner it is supposed to and thus leads to blood flowing in the wrong direction. When this happens cause trapping of the blood in the veins leading to its dilatation and swelling.
There is a relationship between the secret habit (masturbation), especially among youth and varicocele and some medical opinions think that practicing masturbation exacerbate varicocele .
There is a relationship between the secret habit (masturbation), especially among youth and varicocele and some medical opinions think that practicing masturbation exacerbate varicocele .
How do I know if I have varicocele?
Because it is usually painless, many men do not realize they having one until they go to health care providers for regular checkups. However, there are symptoms and signs which some complain such as:
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- Testicular pain in the area affected by varicose veins: a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum,especially when patient is standing or sitting for a long time. Painful varicocele is usual but not always visible.
- Swelling around the testes or at higher level, giving deceptive impression of the existence of a third testicle.
- Delayed conception and childbearing with changes in semen as a decreased number or movement of the sperms. It was found that varicose veins are present in 40% of men who suffer from problems of conception.
- Small size of the testicle or marked atrophy of the affected one compared with normal one.
- Delayed conception and childbearing with changes in semen as a decreased number or movement of the sperms. It was found that varicose veins are present in 40% of men who suffer from problems of conception.
- Small size of the testicle or marked atrophy of the affected one compared with normal one.
What should I do if I have varicocele?
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, or have any questions about anything that does not seem natural, it is important to see your health care provider (doctor). Although it may seem a little embarrassing, but doctors and health care providers are professionals and trained to perceive and deal with situations like this all the time. Your doctor will be able to assess and diagnose whether you have actually varicocele or it is something more serious. It is always better to be safe not to be shy.
How does the doctor know if I have varicocele?
To know that your doctor will inspect and do some physical examinations at your groin and the area surrounding the testicles for any swelling, lumps or tenderness. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient is examined by ultrasound as well as Doppler on scrotum and spermatic cord to assess and measure the size of veins and detect if there reversal of the blood flow in the veins. If the size of the veins 3 millimeters or more usually confirms the presence of varicocele.
Varicocele can be graded through a medical examination as well as an ultrasound scan and Doppler examination according to its severity. In most cases you do not need the varicocele of first or second degrees does not require surgical or medical treatment.
Varicocele can be graded through a medical examination as well as an ultrasound scan and Doppler examination according to its severity. In most cases you do not need the varicocele of first or second degrees does not require surgical or medical treatment.
Do Varicocele cause complications?
Most testicular Varicocele are small and do not cause any problems. However, there are few that affect the testicle and fertility. If your doctor think that your Varicocele may cause a problem, he will determine the appropriate treatment for you.
Can varicocele cause erectile dysfunction problem?
Many people asks their doctors if there is an effect of the varicocele on the erection or not and the answer is that it does not affect the erection. Even if the patient is suffering from infertility, this does not mean that he is unable to have an erection.
Remember, the presence of a varicocele often is not a big problem, so do not let that cause you psychological pressure. If you are still worried or stressed, you can always talk with your doctor or a health care provider .
Remember, the presence of a varicocele often is not a big problem, so do not let that cause you psychological pressure. If you are still worried or stressed, you can always talk with your doctor or a health care provider .