 A varicocele is a swollen vein in the scrotum. Normal veins in the scrotums are usually constricted and not dilated, in varicocele, the veins in the scrotums are dilated. More usually varicoceles are found in the left scrotum than in the right. Varicocele is a well-known cause of subnormal testicular function. It can be found in approximately 20-25% of all males and in 40% of infertility males. Varicocele is the leading cause of infertility in males. It is easy to detect and can be easily corrected by surgical interventions.
Also of importance is that right-sided varicoceles should be carefully investigated as more often than not, a right-sided varicocele may indicate cancer of the right kidney. A varicocele feels like a "bag of worms". Varicoceles usually do not cause any pain, but swelling of the scrotum, be it in one or both side. Other problems that have to be involved that may cause scrotum enlargement include fluids in the scrotum, a cyst or spermatocele, or testicular cancer, etc. Generally varicoceles are harmless, are not cancerous.
Varicoceles may give rise to several problems, such as:
1. Infertility
2. Testicular cancer
3. Testicular shrinkage or atrophy
How it diagnosed?
Usually varicocele is diagnosed clinically by testicular examination. Alternatively, if a diagnosis of varicocele is uncertain, high-resolution color-flow Doppler ultrasonography is the diagnostic method of choice.
What are the treatment?
Medical therapy has no place in the treatment of varicoceles. The principal form of treatment for varicocle is surgery. However it does not necessarily need surgical interference. There are several methods of surgical corrections. They are: inguinal varicocelectomy, microscopic sub-inguinal varicocelectomy, laparoscopic and retroperitoneal varicocelectomy.
There are ways for sufferes of varicoceles to improve their semen quality and quantity by life style changes. These include:
1. Quit smoking
2. Avoid use of marijuana and cocaine
3. Reduce alcohol intake
4. Avoid use of anabolic steroids
5. Avoid lubricants
6. Increase aerobic exercises.
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