Varicocele: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Complications and Prevention
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Overview
Facts on Varicocele
The whole reproductive system work in coherence to produce, store and transmit sperm. The testicles produce sperms. There is no certain reason behind the swelling of the veins in the testes. But doctors assume anyone of the following reasons can contribute to the enlargement of veins in the scrotum. Some of them are discussed below-
Valves in the veins don’t function properly
Blood flow to the testicles is slow that results in the pooling of blood in the veins.
The blood from the testicles towards the heart flows backward or pools in the veins.
Blood flow is restricted by swollen lymph nodes or other masses under the belly.
Symptoms of Varicocele
In most cases, men do not experience any symptoms. In severe cases, a varicocele can be identified with the following symptoms-
A lump can be felt in the testicles
A low-intensity pain in the testicles
A feeling of heaviness or pull in the scrotum
Worm-like or spaghetti-like veins in the scrotum can be seen
Discomfort on the side of testicles the veins dilate
Testicles shrink on the side the veins dilate
Types of Varicocele
There are two types of varicocele which can be further categorized into 3 types.
Primary Varicocele develops when the left internal spermatic veins and the renal vein creates pressure inside the scrotum. In addition to this, there can be malfunctioning of the valves in the veins.
Secondary Varicocele develops when an unwanted growth of skin in the scrotum restricts flow to the internal spermatic vein.
Whether someone is suffering from primary or secondary varicocele, the doctor diagnoses the grade of the varicocele the patient is suffering from.
Grade 1 varicocele
In this classification of varicocele, the affected veins are not visible to the naked eyes. It gets detected only during a physical examination.
Grade 2 varicocele
In this category, the veins are larger than grade 1 but these are still invisible to the eye.
Grade 3 varicocele
These are enlarged veins that are easily visible to the naked eye.
Diagnosis of Varicocele
Treatment of Varicocele
Ayurvedic Treatment
According to Ayurveda, some of the herbs that are recommended by doctors to get relief from symptoms are-
Varun
Punarnava
Rasana
Turmeric
Some of the medicines Ayurvedic doctors prescribe are-
Chirivilwadi kashayam tablets
Sukumaram kashayam tablets
Chandraprabha Vati
Allopathic Treatment
Unfortunately, there are no drugs or medicines that can cure varicoceles. Doctors prescribe painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help get relief from the pain associated with varicocele.Homeopathic Treatment
Homeopathic medicines work on the symptoms of a disease. Some of the common homeopathic medicines are-
For getting relief from severe inflammation in the testes, take Pulsatilla.
To get rid of excessive itching in the groins, doctors prescribe Rhus Toxicodendron.
For immediate relief from pain in the testicles and spermatic cord, Nux Vomica is recommended.
For immediate relief from pain and inflammation, Hamamelis is the appropriate option.
Home Remedies for Varicocele
Diet
Buttermilk
Variety of rice which is red
Radish
Horse gram
Ginger
Pepper
Pomegranate
Sour fruits
Ghee
Soup
Milk
Water boiled with ginger and coriander
The list of food items that doctors recommend not to eat are-
Processed, fatty food
Carbonated and sugary drinks
Alcohol
Spicy, salty food items
Food that is difficult to digest such as cream, red meat, fat of cow, fish, pig, etc.
Lifestyle Changes
When diagnosed with a varicocele of any grade, doctors recommend some tips until the surgery is performed-
Avoid sex
Restrict any strenuous exercise or lifting heavyweights
Do not swim or take a bath
Avoid driving or operating any high machinery
Restrict excessive straining while passing stools
Surgery of Varicocele
Varicocelectomy
This is a daycare procedure that can be performed at the doctor’s clinic. Performed under the influence of anesthesia, the urologist redirects the blood flow to other unaffected veins by closing the affected one. An obstructed vas deferens is repaired surgically in a varicocele surgery.
Microscopic varicocelectomy
In this type of varicocelectomy, the surgeon makes an incision of 1cm. Through this incision, the veins are ligated using a microscope. The whole procedure is completed within 2 to 3 hours.
Laparoscopic varicocelectomy
In this type, the surgeon makes several small incisions through which a long, slender tube known as a laparoscope is inserted. The doctors ligate the veins through these incisions. The whole procedure is completed within 30 minutes.
Percutaneous embolization
With the help of X-ray guidance, a contrast dye is injected through a tube to check where the problem originates. This is done by tracking all the veins that leads to the varicocele. The flow of blood is diverted by blocking the blood flow in the affected vein with the help of coils, plugs with or without sclerosant. The whole procedure is performed by making a small hole in the groin or neck.
Complications of Varicocele
Leaving a varicocele untreated for long can lead to severe complications. Some of them are discussed below-
Infertility
Varicocele is one of the prime contributors to increasing infertility and lower sperm count in males in India. The main reason being that an increased blood flow raises the temperature of the testicles thereby, lowering sperm production.Shrinking of Testicles
As the veins of the scrotum get enlarged, the testes tend to become smaller and softer. This is also known as testicular atrophy or shrinkage.Imbalance of Hormones
When diagnosed with varicocele, there are higher levels of luteinizing hormone secretion. This is an abnormality as this hormone is found in higher levels in women.Prevention
There are no preventive measures that can stop varicocele from occurring. But fortunately, there are some tips that improve circulation, strengthen vein structure and boost collagen production. These factors prevent new veins from swelling.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. It is important that you don’t sit or stand for long periods without any break.
- Drink lots of water. Keep yourself hydrated to prevent sperm damage and maintain proper pH balance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. To live a healthy life, stop consuming excessive alcohol or caffeine, stimulant drugs, smoking or consuming a low fiber, processed food diet.
- Consume Vitamin C-rich food. Vitamin C-rich food encourage collagen production and recovery. Some food that are rich in Vitamin C are broccoli, strawberries, mango, tomato, papaya, kale, and bell peppers.
- Ensure a healthy heart. People suffering from untreated diabetes or any cardiovascular diseases are more likely to suffer from arterial obstruction, poor circulation of blood as well as varicoceles.
- Eat food high in antioxidants to prevent damage to sperm.
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Our Clinical Footprint
30000+
Happy Patients
10000+
Surgeries
100+
Doctors
70+
Clinics
20+
Cities
200+
Hospitals