Varicocele
What Is Varicocele?
Varicocele is the condition in which the veins in the testes are enlarged due to faulty valves quite similar to varicose veins of the leg. The enlargement is in the scrotum. They affect the pampiniform plexus which supplies blood to the testis. The architecture of the pampiniform plexus is such that it wraps around the testicular artery which brings blood to the testis. The function of the pampiniform plexus is to reduce the temperature of the blood going to the testis. The sperm formation is most optimum at around 34.5 degrees Celsius, rather than the body’s standard 37 degrees Celsius.
This is one reason why the testes hang in the scrotum away from the body. The main role of the pampiniform plexus is to cool the arterial blood before it reaches the testis. It does this through a “heat exchange” mechanism.
Causes of Varicoceles
Defective valves in the vein in the scrotum above the testis. These valves regulate the blood flow to the testis.
This may result in high blood temperature.
High blood temperature affects the production of sperms and causes damage to the sperms.
Symptoms Of Varicoceles
Pain: The patient experiences pain over the affected areas on prolonged sitting or standing. Lifting something heavy causes discomfort or pain in the affected veins.
Infertility: One of the common signs the patient faces is the problem of fertility.
Testicular Atrophy: That is shrinkage of the testicles is one of the common signs of Varicoceles.
Varicoceles Treatment
No treatment is required unless there is:
Pain and discomfort
Low sperm count
Unexplained Infertility has continued for more than 2 years. In such cases surgery may be recommended
Varicocele Surgery
The surgery is carried under general anesthesia or sometimes under local anesthesia. An incision is made above the scrotum to access the veins. A ligature is put to regulate the blood flow to the testis. This can also be done with a laparoscope.
This procedure can be carried out on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The procedure involves the insertion of a small size tube in the blood vessel in the groin region via a small nick over the skin. The tube is moved to the abdomen area to fix the veins using X-ray imaging. This procedure is called varicocele embolization.
Benefits of Varicocele Embolization
Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure:
Requires only local anesthesia
No scarring
After surgery:
Success rates of 90%
Quicker recovery time
Reduced risk of infection
It is the same-day procedure
Allowing you to recover at home.
Sure shot solution of Varicocele Embolization
SPERM DONATION AS THE LAST RESORT AS A BACKUP PROCEDURE
Even after all these exploratory procedures to retrieve sperms from epididymis or testis, there is still a chance that there are no sperms. The only avenue left is Sperm donation.
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