A couple who is trying to conceive can face a challenge when it comes to infertility, which can affect both women and men. In some cases, male infertility may be attributed to a condition called varicocele. This blog aims to shed light on varicocele, its causes, symptoms, and how it can affect male fertility in simple language.

What is Varicocele?

Varicocele refers to the enlargement of veins within the scrotum, the sac that contains the testicles. The function of this vein is to drain blood away from the testicles via this vein. When they become swollen or dilated, it leads to the formation of varicoceles. A varicocele is similar to the varicose veins that develop in the legs and are in the upper part of the leg.

Causes of Varicocele:

As of yet, it is unclear what exactly causes varicocele. However, it is believed that a malfunction in the valves within the veins, responsible for maintaining proper blood flow, maybe a contributing factor. This malfunction can result in the pooling of blood in the veins, leading to their enlargement.

Impact on Male Fertility:

Varicoceles can affect male fertility in several ways:

Disruption of testicular temperature regulation:

There must be a slight difference in temperature between the testicles and the rest of the body for the sperm to produce properly. Varicoceles can cause an increase in testicular temperature, which may negatively impact sperm production and quality.

Decreased sperm production:

Varicoceles can impair the testicles’ ability to produce an adequate number of healthy sperm, leading to a decrease in sperm count. In this case, there may be a reduced chance of the egg being fertilized.

 

Abnormal sperm morphology:

Varicoceles can also result in the production of sperm with abnormal shape and structure, affecting their motility (ability to move) and ability to penetrate the egg.

Symptoms of Varicocele:

In many cases, varicoceles do not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, some men may experience the following:

Visible or palpable lump:

A varicocele can appear as a swollen, twisted lump in the scrotum, typically on the left side. It may be more noticeable when standing or during physical exertion.

Discomfort or pain: Some individuals may experience a dull ache or mild pain in the scrotum, especially after prolonged sitting or physical activity.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Whenever you suspect that you may be affected by varicocele or are facing infertility issues, you should consult with a health care professional. They can perform a physical examination, which may involve feeling for the presence of a varicocele. There may be cases in which additional tests, such as an ultrasound or sperm analysis, need to be conducted in order to properly assess the quality of the sperm.

Treatment options for varicocele include:

Observation:

If the varicocele is not causing significant symptoms or fertility issues, a doctor may recommend regular monitoring without any specific treatment.

Surgical repair:

There is a surgical procedure known as varicocelectomy that can be used to treat varicocele. During this procedure, the surgeon either ties off or removes the enlarged veins to improve blood flow and reduce the varicocele.

Assisted reproductive techniques:

In cases where varicocele-related infertility persists despite treatment, assisted reproductive techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be considered.

Conclusion:

Varicocele is a common condition that can have an impact on male fertility. While it may not always cause symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice if you suspect a varicocele or are experiencing difficulty in conceiving. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options to address both the varicocele and any associated fertility concerns.