What is the link between varicocele and infertility? What is a varicocele? Do varicoceles cause infertility? Causes and risk factors Diagnosis Treatment Outlook Many men have enlarged veins in the scrotum, which is the pouch that holds the testicles. Doctors call these veins varicoceles. Many men with varicoceles have no symptoms, but some may have fertility issues. Varicoceles are common. What is a varicocele? A varicocele occurs when a bulge results from enlarged veins inside the scrotum. The swelling typically resembles an enlargement above the testicle, without discoloration. The pampiniform plexus is a group of veins inside the scrotum. These veins help cool the blood before it travels to the testicular artery, which supplies the testicles with blood. If the testicles are too hot, they cannot make healthy sperm. Sperm health affects fertility, so it is essential that the veins can cool down the blood. Most people with a varicocele do not have symptoms, but some may experience fertility issues. When someone has a varicocele, they may also experience swelling and tenderness of the scrotum. Do varicoceles cause infertility? Most men who have varicoceles do not have fertility problems. Infertility rates among those with varicoceles, however, are higher than those without them. This difference may be because varicoceles interfere with the body's ability to make and store sperm. Research on whether treating varicoceles can improve fertility is mixed. The main concern with varicoceles is that the bulge of veins may damage sperm and lower sperm count. In those individuals with an average sperm count, a varicocele is unlikely to cause infertility. When a couple cannot conceive, it is vital to do a variety of tests, including a sperm count, and not assume that a varicocele is necessarily the sole cause. A doctor may use an ultrasound to diagnose a varicocele. A varicocele occurs when veins in the scrotum become enlarged. Every vein has a valve that prevents blood from flowing backward, but sometimes the valve fails. This causes blood to flow back, damaging the vein and causing swelling. Doctors do not fully understand what causes the valves to fail and cause varicoceles. They are common and do not usually mean that a person has an underlying health problem. Research found that smoking may be a risk factor for varicoceles, as it damages a person's blood vessels. The same study found no link between alcohol or occupation and varicoceles. Rarely, a growth in the stomach can put pressure on the veins, causing a varicocele. This issue is more common in men of more than 45 years of age. In many people, a varicocele has no apparent causes Diagnosis Most men who have varicoceles do not notice anything unusual, although some people report a heavy sensation or occasional throbbing in the scrotum. Many of those affected only discover they have a varicocele after experiencing infertility issues. A doctor can often diagnose a varicocele during a physical exam by looking at the scrotum and feeling for lumps and unusual blood vessels. If a doctor suspects a varicocele, they may order an ultrasound, which is a painless imaging test that allows the doctor to see the veins inside the scrotum. If the person is having problems with fertility, the doctor may also order a semen analysis to check sperm quality. Treatment: If a man has varicoceles and a low sperm count, he may need treatment. Varicoceles that do not cause symptoms do not require treatment. A varicocele may need treatment when: A man has a varicocele and a low sperm count or other problems with sperm. The varicocele is causing pain or swelling. A couple has unexplained infertility, and the male has a varicocele. When people chose to have treatment, they have two different options: Embolization Embolization is surgery that temporarily cuts off the blood supply. A doctor can carry out this procedure in their office with local anesthesia, meaning a person will not feel any pain in the area. During embolization, a doctor inserts a needle into a vein usually through the groin. Sometimes, they may insert a needle through the neck. The needle helps the doctor access the veins in the scrotum and block off the varicocele. A person may experience some pain and tenderness after the procedure, but recovery time is short, and the individual can immediately return to their usual activities. If embolization does not work, surgeons may need to try a different procedure to treat the varicocele. Surgery A doctor can surgically remove a varicocele by blocking the blood flow to the damaged vein. This surgery is called a varicocelectomy. Outlook The outlook for men who choose to treat a varicocele is relatively good. Men who have a varicocele and a history of infertility should discuss with their doctors the risks and benefits of treatment. In some cases, surgery may be the safest option for increasing fertility. In other situations, a couple may have better results with assisted fertilization techniques, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). There is no evidence that varicoceles inevitably make a man infertile. In 10 to 20 percent of men, the varicocele comes back after surgery. Men who notice swollen veins should not assume they will have fertility issues, though they may wish to discuss the risk with a doctor. What is a varicocele and should I worry about it? When valves that move blood through the testicles malfunction, veins in the scrotum can become enlarged. These expanded veins are called varicoceles, and they are similar to varicose veins. While they are often harmless, they can impact fertility. What are the best ways to increase sperm count? Sperm count is a key factor in fertility. Medications, alcohol, stress, and other influences can reduce sperm count and reduce fertility at the same time. Find out here about some home remedies, dietary changes, and medications that can play a role in sperm production and that may help increase sperm count.Best Fertility Care Center, Advanced Fertiliity Care Center , Maternal and child Healthcare , Ashwini Hospital Moondrumavadi K.Pudur Madurai-07
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