What Causes a Fertility and varicocele to form?
What is a varicocele?
Varicocele is a term used to describe abnormally dilated veins in the scrotum (the "pampiniform plexus" of veins).
What causes a varicocele to form?
Veins in the body transport blood from various organs back to the heart. They usually have valves that ensure the blood flows in the right direction. When the valves in the testicular vein do not function properly, gravity causes blood to collect in the scrotum, resulting in a varicocele. They typically occur on the left side, and are most likely related to the path of the testicular vein in the abdomen.
What are the complications of varicoceles?
Varicoceles can result in three major issues: decreased fertility, decreased testosterone production by the testis, and scrotal discomfort. As a result, they are usually not treated unless one of these problems is causing concern. Varicocele can cause azoospermia, or a complete lack of sperm in the ejaculate, in some cases.
Because varicoceles are so common and often go undetected throughout life, it is likely that 80% of men with varicoceles can conceive with their partners without any medical intervention. Furthermore, as previously stated, most men with varicoceles do not experience hormonal issues or discomfort.
What is the effect of a varicocele on the testis?
There are several theories, but most agree that one method is to transport warm blood from the abdomen to the testis in the scrotum. Because the testis functions best at around 3 degrees below body temperature, warmer blood can impair its ability to produce sperm and testosterone. Other theories include exposing the testis to various chemicals from the adrenal gland, which is located near the top of the testicular vein.
Are varicoceles harmful?
Varicoceles are not fatal, but they are occasionally associated with dangerous conditions. For example, if a varicocele forms on the right side rather than the left, it is critical to rule out any mass or other abnormality in the abdomen that could be causing it.
Also, when a patient is lying down, varicoceles should "reduce" or decrease in fullness because gravity no longer fills the pampiniform plexus of veins. When a varicocele does not shrink, it raises the possibility that there is an abdominal blockage, such as a mass or tumour, that is causing the mass.
How are varicoceles found?
Since "subclinical" varicoceles only sometimes result in testicular discomfort or damage, they are not regarded to be clinically important. Rarely, when a patient's anatomy makes a physical examination difficult or when other findings prompt a doctor to order a scrotal ultrasound, varicoceles may be found. Large varicoceles are frequently visible with the unaided eye and are only diagnosed after a medical examination.
When are Varicoceles typically found?
One of the following situations typically results in the discovery of varicoceles:
It is most frequently discovered in a male who has no symptoms at all and is being tested for infertility.
During a normal exam, a doctor or the patient may find a lump in the scrotum.
A man may complain of scrotal soreness when seeing a doctor.
What kind of discomfort can a varicocele bring on?
Varicocele rarely results in any observable discomfort for patients. However, varicocele can cause moderate to severe scrotal pain. Patients frequently describe an "aching" sensation in the scrotum, which is typically brought on by extended standing or physical exertion. Most people find that resting supine (on their back) and elevating their feet helps them feel better.
If the veins become thrombophlebitic, varicoceles may become more painful (blood clotting and inflammation). Scrotal ultrasonography should be used to rule out other pathology in individuals with scrotal pain, and urine testing should be used to rule out infection.
If there is no other known cause of the pain and the suffering is consistent with a varicocele, varicocele treatment may be explored. However, there can be no assurance that varicocele repair would eliminate the pain.
Modern individuals with scrotal pain should also be evaluated for microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord at the time of varicocele closure.
Fertility and Varicocele
There is an association between varicoceles and infertility. The incidence of varicocele increases to 30 percent in infertile couples. Decreased sperm count, decreased motility of sperm, and an increase in the number of deformed sperm are related to varicoceles. Some experts believe that blocked and enlarged veins around the testes, called varicoceles, cause infertility by raising the temperature in the scrotum and decreasing sperm production.
Furthermore, On physical examination, about one-third of males being assessed for infertility had varicoceles. The size of them and whether or not they are present on one or both sides of the scrotum are classified (see the grading system, above). Knowing that varicoceles of all sizes may impact fertility is crucial. Additionally, recent research suggests that varicoceles may have an impact on sperm function in ways that are undetectable by semen analysis.
Both testes are affected in terms of temperature and function by a varicocele on one side of the scrotum. Varicoceles that are found by ultrasound or other imaging techniques but cannot be felt by the doctor are not regarded as clinically significant, as was previously stated.
Jai Andrology and Men’s Health is the first exclusive centre in Vijayawada that’s instrumental in bringing men’s health as an independent area of focus not only for Fertility, but also Erectile Dysfunction and sexual concerns. With state-of-art technology, advanced treatment and personalized care, we help you deal, grow out of your reproductive health worries and help you take your first steps towards parenthood.