According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one out of every six couples will have problems conceiving, and male infertility is a factor about 40% of the time.
Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility.
Varicocele is an enlarged mass of veins in the spermatic cord within the scrotum.
The spermatic cord is made up of nerves, veins, lymphatic vessels, arteries and the duct that carries sperm from the testes to the vans deferens, or seminal vesicles.
The overall picture is that varicocele accounts for as much as 40% of male infertility. In secondary infertility, where the male has fathered one child but is no longer able to do so, varicocele makes up about 80% of male secondary infertility.
After having surgery to correct this condition, about 50% of males are able to go ahead and father a child within a year. The surgery to correct varicocele is called varicocele repair or varicocelectomy.
What Causes Varicocele?
The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, it is believed that a varicocele forms when the valves inside the spermatic cord prevent blood from flowing as it should.
The resulting backup of blood causes the veins to dilate and widen.
Many varicoceles form during puberty. Usually, varicoceles form on the left side, probably because of the position of the left testicular vein. But, a varicose in one testicle can affect sperm production in both testicles.
What Are the Symptoms of Varicocele?
There are often no signs or symptoms of varicose.
Varicocele may rarely cause pain. The pain may present as follows:
- Pain may vary from dull to stinging to very sharp and acute
- Pain may increase with sitting or standing for long periods of time, or with physical exertion
- Pain may worsen over the course of the day
- Pain may be relieved by lying supine
Gradually, varicoceles tend to enlarge and become more noticeable. However, many times varicocele isn’t discovered until a couple is experiencing fertility problems, or during a routine physical exam.
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What an informative article. I have posted a link to this article on my site and bookmarked it so others can enjoy it. Thanks Laura!
Great article indeed, Ive also wrote about varicocele and another factors that could affect fertility.
But still wondering, how to overcome varicocele in natural way, is it possible?
Thanks
Hmmm…not sure that there is a natural treatment for varicocele, but now I”ll have to look into it!
Thanks Amy!