Causes and risk factors
Blood vessels from abdomen pass through the inguinal canal, through spermatic cord to reach the testicles. Veins contain one way valves which prevent backflow of blood. Damage to the valves or compression of veins due to nearby structures lead to dilatation of veins causing varicocele. Common in patient between 15-30 years of age.
Clinical presentation
Varicocele as such is asymptomatic. It is detected during evaluation of infertility in males. Feeling of heaviness in the testes, aching pain scrotum, atrophy of testes, palpable veins of scrotum, raised testosterone levels, benign prostatic hypertrophy and associated urinary complaints.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. An ultrasound examination with colour Doppler of scrotum helps in diagnosis of varicocele.
Treatment
Surgical correction of varicocele called as varicocelectomy is the recommended treatment. Embolization is a less invasive procedure which is an alternative to surgery.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating varicocele. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating varicocele.
Recent updates
A recent study has shown marked improvement in sperm morphology, sperm count and sperm motility after varicocele repair surgery.
