Varicocele
A male reproductive system has the penis, the testicles (testes), and the scrotum. The scrotum is a sac that holds testicles and provides them with the appropriate temperature for the production of sperm and male sex hormones (testosterone). The testicles are infused with blood by the testicular artery held by the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord also comprises the pampiniform plexus- a group of veins that drains oxygen-depleted blood from the testicles to the main testicular vein. The temperature of the scrotum is a few degrees lower than that of the abdomen or pelvis. That’s because of the pampiniform plexus which acts as a counter-current heat exchanger and cools the blood flowing in the testicular artery before it enters the testes.
In some men, the pampiniform blood veins may get enlarged and result in overheating of the testes which ultimately results in lower sperm production and function. Such a case is termed a varicocele.
Varicocele primarily occurs during adolescence (around 15–25 years of age) and results in reduced testicular growth. 10 to 15% of men have varicocele. For them, it is like having varicose veins- the inflamed, twisted veins in the legs. It can be more noticeable or larger in appearance over time. It is commonly seen on the left of the scrotum. Mostly, it is harmless. However, it can cause pain and fertility issues or one of the testicles to shrink or poorly develop. Thankfully, there are ways to treat this condition. Under the roof of Arete Hospitals, Male Reproductive Department, there are medical specialists or surgeons who can best diagnose and treat Varicocele in Hyderabad.
Benefits of Varicocele Treatment
- Men experiencing pain or inadequate sperm production due to enlarged veins benefit from varicocele treatment
- Varicocele surgery restores the testicles' normal reproductive function
- Treatment can improve sperm quality and increase the chances of successful conception for couples struggling with infertility
- It help alleviate discomfort and pain in the scrotum, enhancing overall quality of life
- It help prevent potential complications like testicular atrophy, which could impact sexual function and self-esteem
- The surgery is a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short recovery time, allowing men to return to their normal activities quickly
- Addressing varicoceles may reduce the risk of hormonal imbalances and related issues, such as low testosterone levels, which can affect mood and energy levels.
Symptoms of Varicocele
Varicocele usually appears on the scrotum’s left region often without any signs or symptoms. However, in some men, varicocele may show itself in a variety of ways. The possible signs and symptoms of varicocele include:
- Pain- Varicocele can cause dull, aching pain or discomfort in some individuals more probably when standing for long. The scrotum feels painful because of enlarged veins.
- Swelling and puffiness- These develop due to vein expansion. The growth of the veins becomes so prominent that it can be seen with the naked eye and takes on the shape of varicose veins in the legs.
- A mass within the scrotum- In the case of the formation of a large varicocele, a mass resembling a bag of worms may be noticed seated above the testicle The twisted, large veins can be seen on the scrotum's surface. A smaller varicocele may not be visualised but felt by touch.
- Different sizes of the testicles- The testicles affected by varicocele may appear smaller than the other testicles.
- Sweating and a feeling of warmth
- Testicular shrinkage (rare)
- Infertility (in some cases).
If one is experiencing these issues, they can get more details on its treatment with Varicocele Surgery doctors in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals.
There is no definite cause of varicocele. One causative factor may be the malfunctioning of the venous valve that typically controls the flow of blood in the right direction to and from the testicles. The malfunctioning could be because the valves in the veins may not be formed correctly or they are damaged. Malfunctioning venous valves have disrupted regular blood flow. This causes the backing up of oxygen-depleted blood and veins to dilate (widen), thereby creating a varicocele.
Most varicoceles develop over time and are most common throughout adolescence. No apparent risk factors indicate a man is more likely to create a varicocele. On the other hand, obese men, maybe at a somewhat higher risk.
Diagnosis of Varicocele
Varicocele Doctors in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals first examine the patient in a lying or sitting position. While standing, the physician may ask the patient to take deep breaths, hold breaths, and exhale, just like the pressure at the time of bowel movement. This way the physician can easily examine the varicocele. During the examination, the diagnosis can be made for varicocele by visual inspection of the scrotum and by touch. If the varicocele is large enough, the physicians can quickly feel it when touching the testicle with their fingers. The patient stands up when the mass in the scrotum is too small, and the testicle is handled with a finger inspection.
A Urologist in Hyderabad might request an ultrasound of the scrotum in conditions where a physical examination is insufficient to diagnose varicocele. In an ultrasound test, the high-frequency sound waves photograph the internal organs including the scrotum and testicles of the patient. Ultrasound testing is used to confirm the diagnosis of varicocele and characterise it, rule out other possible medical conditions with the same signs and symptoms as varicocele, and detect lesions or other factors affecting the blood flow. It can help identify how treatment should be carried out, particularly in young patients.
Varicocele Treatment in Hyderabad
Varicocele is treated in a variety of ways. The following are the Best Treatment for Varicocele in Hyderabad offered at Arete Hospitals:
Varicocelectomy
It is a complex surgical procedure performed by Varicocelectomy Doctors in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals in which the scrotum is inserted in the abdominal, thigh, or pelvic regions through an incision. Swollen or diseased veins are cut off and blood flow is directed to healthier veins. For varicocele treatment surgery in Hyderabad, doctors use high-quality microscopes and ultrasounds. Mild pain is there following surgery and can be managed with painkillers.
For more details on Varicocele Surgery Cost in Hyderabad, book a visit at Arete Hospitals.
Varicocele Embolization
Embolization is also beneficial in varicocele treatment. A catheter is put into the body through a hole (usually the neck or groyne). The swollen veins in the scrotum are blocked by inserting the coil into the veins. The loop will prevent blood from flowing into the injured veins. However, as compared to surgery, this procedure is less standard. Contact Arete Hospitals to learn more about Varicocele Embolization Surgery Cost in Hyderabad.
1. When is varicocele treatment required?
Most men have varicocele but do not need varicocele treatment until they believe it is not dangerous. They will, however, require varicocele treatment if they are suffering from scrotal discomfort or are infertile because they have problems generating sperm. Men with a large lump in their scrotum (large varicocele) should see their urologist. It is critical to their sexual lives, and it must be addressed as soon as possible.
2. Is it possible for a man with varicocele to have a child?
If a large varicocele is left untreated, it reduces the chance of men becoming fathers of their children. The condition causes testicular pain and might result in testicular atrophy or loss. As a result, if the patient meets the requirements for surgery, they should be treated.
3. Does varicocele affect sexual life?
In general, a condition that affects sperm activities lowers the functions of the testis through vein expansion in the testicles. Advanced vasodilation in the testicles might result in pain and a reduction in the quality of sexual intercourse.
4. Is everyone with varicocele infertile?
Varicocele is thought to be one of the causes of infertility, although not always. It is, nevertheless, one of the most treatable causes of infertility. Some procedures can largely eliminate the problem of infertility. However, not every varicocele patient is operated on.
Varicocele is not observed as an illness that necessitates immediate surgery. Even though it is an illness that can cause lifelong damage, not everyone who has it is infertile.
5. Is varicocele a congenital condition?
Varicocele can develop due to a congenital vascular abnormality caused by dilatation of the collecting vessels surrounding the testis. It is a disease that usually begins in young people and advances gradually.
6. Who can benefit from treatment?
Varicocele treatments can help patients who have abnormal sperm analysis results and those who previously had children but are now unable to have children after being diagnosed. The varicocele patient whose pain is not alleviated by various treatments may benefit from surgery. A proper treatment can benefit varicocele-affected men in infertile couples.
Arete Hospitals is a top choice for Varicocele Treatment in Hyderabad due to its renowned medical expertise, advanced technology, and dedicated team of specialists. They offer personalised care and a track record of successful outcomes, making it a trusted destination for Varicocele treatment.
