General Information About Varicocele
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a testicular varicose vein formed by the deterioration and enlargement of the valves inside the veins surrounding the testicles. It creates an appearance and feeling as if there is a bag of worms/noodles inside the scrotum.
It is entirely about anatomy. While the vein of the right testicle opens directly into the main vein (Vena Cava), the vein of the left testicle travels a much longer way and connects to the renal vein at a right (90-degree) angle. Due to gravity and the right angle, it is much more difficult to pump blood up on the left side, the blood pools down and causes varicosity.
There is only one reason why the testicles are outside the body (in the scrotum): Sperm must be produced in a cooler environment (35 degrees) than body temperature (37 degrees). When hot (dirty) blood pools in the varicose veins, the temperature of the testicle rises. This high heat and accumulated toxic substances disrupt the sperm factory (its DNA) and lower the sperm count, motility, and vitality (Infertility).
Most of the time it gives no symptoms and is discovered by chance in the ultrasound taken when a man cannot have a child. When it shows symptoms; it causes a 'DULL AND ACHING' pain/feeling of heaviness in the testicles, which increases especially after standing for a long time, in a hot bath, or towards the evening, and passes when lying down. While standing, swollen veins like a ball of worms in the bag can be felt by hand.
The swelling of the veins is detected by the Urologist's examination (while the patient is standing and straining - Valsalva maneuver). A Scrotal Color Doppler Ultrasound is taken for precise diameter measurement.
Not every varicocele is OPERATED ON! You do not get surgery just because varicocele is written in the ultrasound report. If the patient's SPERM TEST (Spermiogram) is completely normal, even if they are single, and there is no shrinkage in the testicle, it is only followed up annually.
The only treatment is Surgery. If sperm values have deteriorated, the Gold Standard method is 'Microsurgical Varicocelectomy' surgery. A small 2 cm incision is made from the groin. Using a special operating microscope (meticulously preserving the artery and lymph vessels feeding the testicle), only those enlarged, defective varicose veins are tied and cut. Because the blood circulation cools down 3 to 6 months after the surgery, sperm quality miraculously increases by 70% and the chance of pregnancy rises.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
