Bumisuka.com – How to treat varicocele quickly and safely according to medical. At first glance you can see that varicoceles are similar to varicose veins. If varicose veins are common in the legs, varicoceles are in the testicles. The presence of a varicocele usually does not cause pain or serious problems. However, it can affect fertility under certain conditions.
How to treat varicoceles is also much sought after, especially to treat infertility and in terms of aesthetics. Unfortunately, there are not many options for treating varicoceles.
What is a varicocele?
Reported by Medical News Today, a varicocele is a widening of the blood vessels in the testicular sac, also known as the scrotum. This condition occurs in a vein called the pampiniform plexus.
This part of the body is also connected to the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries sperm and the testicular artery that carries blood to the testicle. The pampiniform plexus separately cools the arterial blood before it reaches the sperm.
The presence of a varicocele can interfere with the cooling system. Since sperm production is efficient at 34.5 celsius, a malfunction of the ‘blood cooler’ can result in decreased sperm quality and production.
Symptoms of varicocele
Varicocele consists of three levels alias grade. In the first grade, the varicocele is barely visible. However, doctors can feel it through the Valsalva maneuver.
In the second grade, the varicocele is still not visible, but can be felt without the Valsalva maneuver. At the highest level, a varicocele is obvious and can be felt.
Varicoceles rarely cause pain. However, if it does occur, it is usually indicated by:
- Feels worse when standing or doing activities
- Feels reduced when supine
- It gets worse as the day goes on
You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice a change in the shape, size, or appearance of your testicles. In addition, also immediately get medical care if there are lumps, fertility problems, swelling, to a bend in the scrotum.
How to treat varicocele
Generally, varicoceles do not require special treatment. Unless there is discomfort in the area of the penis and testicles or low sperm count that affects fertility.
Varicoceles also need treatment if the individual has been infertile for 2 years or more for no apparent reason. In these conditions, surgery may be required. There are three types of surgery to treat varicocele.
1. Varicocelectomy
This method is an open surgery involving local or general anesthesia. The doctor will access the varicocele area through the groin, abdomen, or upper thigh.
With the help of ultrasound and a surgical microscope, the medical team will close the dilated blood flow. Instead, the blood is passed through another, healthier stream.
2. Laparoscopic surgery
This surgery is done by making a small incision in the abdomen. Next, small surgical instruments are inserted through the holes.
Unlike the previous option, laparoscopic surgery only makes about 1 centimeter incision. Thus, the resulting post-operative pain can be lower.
3. Percutaneous embolization
A radiologist will insert a tube or catheter into the body through the neck or groin. Next, using the device, the doctor will block the vein with scar tissue.
This procedure also includes minimally invasive interventional surgery. It can be done with an outpatient procedure and recovery is relatively short.
- Complications
Unfortunately, the only effective way to get rid of varicoceles is through surgical methods. Medication only serves as a temporary pain reliever. If not treated promptly, a varicocele that continues to develop can lead to the following complications.
- Infertility
As mentioned earlier, varicoceles interfere with sperm temperature regulation. As a result, sperm quality decreases. Research in the journal European Urology that took place from 1996 to 2010 noted that 15.7 percent of respondents had a varicocele. Not only that, these individuals also have lower sperm quality.
- Testicular shrinkage
Varicoceles are at risk of causing testicular atrophy or shrinkage. This occurs due to damage to the tubules that make up the testes. Problematic tubules tend to be smaller and feel softer.
- Hormonal disorders
The body will react when it finds something wrong. In the case of varicocele, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels are higher. Other consequences, causing testosterone to subnormal.
As long as it doesn’t cause pain, it’s not necessary to treat a varicocele. However, if you experience pain, don’t delay contacting your doctor for the best treatment.