Varicocele Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

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By Staff
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Varicoceles are treatable, Comiter says, adding that in some cases, leaving it alone is an option. “If a varicocele is found during an examination, but it’s not bothersome nor impacting fertility, then it does not need to be repaired,” he explains. “It can be left alone and is unlikely to cause any significant harm.”

If the only symptom of a varicocele is different size testicles in adult males, this alone does not warrant a medical intervention, Christensen adds.

But there are rare times when varicoceles can cause more serious issues if left untreated, such as severely low testosterone.

If you find a mass in the scrotum, you should see a doctor, Comiter says. Any mass in the scrotum could indicate a serious condition.

Medication

There are no prescription medications for varicoceles, but over-the-counter pain relievers — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or medications like acetaminophen — may help alleviate any mild discomfort.

If varicocele pain persists, ask your healthcare provider about other treatment options.

Surgery

Surgery is the main and often best treatment for varicoceles, Comiter says. Surgical repair of varicoceles, also known as varicocelectomy, is recommended when the condition is causing pain or male infertility.

The surgery, which is an outpatient procedure, seals off the affected vein, which redirects blood flow into healthy veins. Removing varicoceles can increase the chance of achieving pregnancy by up to 70 percent.
Varicocelectomy, while relatively safe, may have complications. Some of the risks include hydrocele (buildup of fluid around the testicles, causing scrotal swelling), tenderness, scarring, and injury to a testicular artery. There are also general risks that come with any type of surgery, such as a negative reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, and infection.

Embolization

Embolization is a nonsurgical option in which a specialist called an interventional radiologist injects a substance into the affected blood vessel to block it off. It’s a quick, minimally invasive procedure.

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