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Varicocele is a health problem that occurs especially in young men and can lead to infertility. For this reason, people with complaints such as differences in testicle size or testicular pain should definitely apply to healthcare facilities and have a check-up.
Varicocele is the enlargement and swelling of the veins in the scrotum. These veins carry blood from the testicles, which is low in oxygen and nutrients. As a result of the direction of flow in the veins being backwards, swelling occurs. Similar to varicose veins in the legs, the swelling of the veins can sometimes be noticed from the outside.
It is usually seen in pre-puberty or adolescence. It is rare in children younger than ten years. The majority of varicocele cases occur in the left testicle. If pain occurs, treatment is necessary if the testicle cannot develop sufficiently or shrinks, causing infertility. Varicocele disease can lead to reduced blood flow to the testicles and an increase in temperature. In this case, the testicles produce less sperm and the sperm produced is not healthy. Therefore, the possibility of fertility is also reduced.
Varicocele disease is usually seen in the left testicle due to the anatomical structure of the veins. However, in 33% of patients, it can occur on both sides. Varicocele is usually seen in men with infertility. Varicocele is seen in 40% of men with primary infertility.
How is Varicocele Diagnosed?
Varicocele is usually easy to diagnose. It is characterized by dull, painful, testicular pain that is usually noticed when standing and relieved by lying down, and decreased fertility/infertility. For the diagnosis of varicocele, it is necessary to consult the urology department of a healthcare facility. It is important to have a physical examination by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of varicocele. Apart from physical examination, the diagnosis can be confirmed by the physician by requesting an ultrasound examination. During the ultrasound examination of the testicle with varicocele, the backward flow of blood in the swollen veins can be seen and a definitive diagnosis is made.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment options include surgical ligation (ligation of the vein) or percutaneous venous embolization (blockage of the veins through a small incision). If there is shrinkage in the testicle or abnormal values in sperm analysis, surgery is required. Varicocele surgery is a simple and easy procedure that takes a short time. Microsurgical technique should be preferred to protect the arterial supply of the testicle. Most of the time, it may require hospitalization in the daycare unit or at most for 1 day. Some studies have shown an increase in sperm values (after 3 to 6 months) and infertility relief after varicocele surgery.
Page content is for informational purposes only. The page content does not include information regarding therapeutic health services. Be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
