Varicocele is a condition that occurs in men when the veins in the scrotum / testicles become swollen. The swelling itself occurs due to an obstruction to blood flow which causes blood to flow back into the scrotum. This causes varicocele sufferers to be able to see and feel the swollen veins in the scrotum and at first glance look like varicose veins that usually occur in the legs.
This condition can be found in about 15% of men with sufferers mostly of reproductive age. Generally, varicocele is a condition that is harmless and asymptomatic. However, in certain cases, this condition can cause erratic pain to appear, even inhibiting the process of testicular development which can lead to a decrease in the quality and quantity of sperm.
What causes varicocele?
Until now, the exact cause of varicocele has not been found. However, what is considered to be the main cause is the difference in pressure in the area of the renal veins in the abdomen and the veins in the scrotum. In addition, several other conditions that can be suspected as the cause of varicocele are abnormalities in the blood vessels such as thrombotic blockages, blood vessel deformities, to kidney tumors.
What are the symptoms of varicocele?
Generally, varicocele occurs in one of the scrotum and does not cause complaints and does not require treatment. In some cases, varicocele sufferers don't even realize that they are experiencing this condition. However, there are several complaints that sufferers can experience including:
- Discomfort or pain in the scrotal area that gets worse when the patient stands or has strenuous physical activity, and improves when the patient is in a supine position
- There is a picture like a worm bag in the scrotum that can be felt and seen
- Problems with fertility (decreased quality and quantity of sperm)
- Heart attack
- There is a small, palpable lump above the testicle
How to treat varicocele?
First of all, the doctor will carry out a series of examinations to diagnose varicocele. The examination begins with feeling the scrotum, ultrasound of the scrotum, measuring the volume of the testicles, and examining sperm. Then, if the varicocele experienced by the patient causes pain, the doctor will give pain relievers and advise the patient to use testicular support pants to relieve pressure.
However, in varicoceles with severe pain and causing testicular shrinkage or infertility, the doctor will then suggest undergoing surgical procedures such as Varicocele Microligation (Microscopic Surgery) which provides the best operation success rate.
Those are the causes, symptoms, and treatment of varicocele. There is no way that can be declared effective for preventing varicoceles, but also make sure you do regular self-testicular examinations. If you or your closest relative experiences similar symptoms, immediately check this condition with a trusted doctor to get further appropriate treatment.
Article written by dr. Isaac Ardianson Deswanto, Sp.U (Urological Surgery Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).