Self-care
When a varicocele is diagnosed, basic home care should include wearing of a scrotal support, avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. There are no medications, herbs of spices to treat this condition. Pain can be relieved by over the counter medications.
Does varicocele surgery improve fertility?
There is absolutely no direct correlation between the presence of a varicocele and infertility. There is no doubt that about 40% of individuals who undergo investigation for infertility have been found to have varicoceles. But one has to know that there are many more individuals with varicoceles who go on to have normal sperm and have satisfactory pregnancy with their spouse. There are also many men who undergo varicocele surgery and yet fail to have normal sperm counts.
The questions remains, “what should one do with varicoceles?”. There is no question that incidentally discovered varicoceles or varicoceles that produce no symptoms can be safely observed. All the data about testicular atrophy and decline in sperm counts are unproven and hypothetical facts put out by unscrupulous surgeons. Many men live their entire lives with varicoceles and do so without any undue problems.
Varicoceles continue to generate controversy among fertility experts. Despite conflicting evidence from various clinical studies, all the trials still recommend the surgical treatment of clinical varicoceles in men with infertility. However, it is incumbent on the surgeon to discuss the pros and cons of surgery for varicocele. A second opinion is not always a bad idea.
Showing posts with label varicoceles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label varicoceles. Show all posts
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Varicoceles Part 2
Who develops a varicocele?
Surveys indicate that Varicoceles are common in the male population and some studies indicate that nearly 10%-20% of men develop them usually between the ages of 15-30. When the varicocele initially develops there are usually no symptoms. The majority of Varicoceles develop in the left groin. Very rarely are they present on both sides. The reason why most occur on the left side is because of the anatomical differences in venous drainage from the scrotum on the left side.
What does a varicocele feel like?
Generally one can not see a varicocele. Often when one runs the hand along the scrotum, one can feel a sensation like a "bag of worms”. The majority of Varicoceles are small and do not get large. The length of a varicocele is usually less than 1 inch.
Diagnosis of Varicocele
In most cases a physical exam will reveal the presence of a varicocele. The individual should be examined in the standing position. The bag of worms usually disappears when lying down. Often the physician may ask you to bear down (like you are pooping). This increases pressure in the abdomen and can make the varicocele visible. Varicoceles which have been present for many years often do not change with position.
Sometimes a varicocele is suspected but can not be seen. In such a case, an ultrasound will help make the diagnosis. This painless non invasive test can reveal the size of the varicosity, presence of backward blood flow and the location.
Surveys indicate that Varicoceles are common in the male population and some studies indicate that nearly 10%-20% of men develop them usually between the ages of 15-30. When the varicocele initially develops there are usually no symptoms. The majority of Varicoceles develop in the left groin. Very rarely are they present on both sides. The reason why most occur on the left side is because of the anatomical differences in venous drainage from the scrotum on the left side.
What does a varicocele feel like?
Generally one can not see a varicocele. Often when one runs the hand along the scrotum, one can feel a sensation like a "bag of worms”. The majority of Varicoceles are small and do not get large. The length of a varicocele is usually less than 1 inch.
Diagnosis of Varicocele
In most cases a physical exam will reveal the presence of a varicocele. The individual should be examined in the standing position. The bag of worms usually disappears when lying down. Often the physician may ask you to bear down (like you are pooping). This increases pressure in the abdomen and can make the varicocele visible. Varicoceles which have been present for many years often do not change with position.
Sometimes a varicocele is suspected but can not be seen. In such a case, an ultrasound will help make the diagnosis. This painless non invasive test can reveal the size of the varicosity, presence of backward blood flow and the location.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
