Varicocele can have significant implications for male fertility, potentially leading to low sperm production, poor sperm quality and other fertility issues. The veins contain one-way valves that work to allow blood to flow from the testicles and scrotum back to the heart. When these valves fail, the blood pools and enlarges the veins around the testicle in the scrotum to cause a varicocele. It is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects male fertility.
The symptoms for varicocele are
- A lump or swelling in the scrotum
- Shrinking of the affected testicle
- Difficulty conceiving despite trying for a year or more.
- Dull pain or discomfort, especially after prolonged standing
- Visible enlarged veins
We had a gentleman visit us from Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, 39 year old who was facing left grade 4 varicocele since 2 years. We first evaluated him with a semen test and scrotal doppler scan. His semen analysis showed persistent as oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (This is a severe form of male infertility that affects sperm count, movement, and shape) and his scrotal doppler showed bilateral varicocele with significant reflux and clinical examination showed bilateral varicocele. So he underwent Left microsurgical varicocele ligation. Now he has no pain or swelling and is happy with his results. He has to repeat his semen analysis test in 2 months.
Varicocele surgery is a highly effective treatment for both fertility issues and pain relief. While results vary, most patients experience significant improvements within a few months.
