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Varicocele

What is a varicocele?

An abnormal expansion of scrotal veins is known as a varicocele. Veins normally return deoxygenated blood to the heart, but when blood flow is restricted, blood accumulates and dilates veins. Blood flow obstruction may be caused by blocked veins or by valves in the veins that are malfunctioning or absent. Blood clots, tumors, swollen lymph nodes, or compression between blood arteries can all result in vein blockage. Varicose veins that develop in the legs are called varicoceles.

Risk Factors

About 15% of males, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 25, have varicoceles, which are a prevalent condition. Varicoceles often start during adolescence and progress slowly over time. Although the majority of varicoceles are idiopathic (caused by nothing else), kidney tumors should be taken into consideration if they develop suddenly in men over the age of 40.

Symptoms

The majority of varicoceles are asymptomatic, but the scrotum may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

  • Visible enlarged veins
  • Enlarged veins feel like a bag of worms
  • Pain
  • Heaviness
  • Shrinking of the testes, worse on side with varicocele
  • Worse symptoms as the day progresses
  • Symptoms improve when you lay down

Varicoceles are a prevalent cause of diminished fertility, while not all of them have an impact on fertility. One-third of individuals have both left and right varicoceles, which are more common on the left. Varicoceles on the right side exclusively are probably a sign that a tumor or clot may be restricting blood flow.

Diagnosis

The doctor will conduct a physical examination, although a small varicocele may be difficult to detect or feel. As the doctor feels the scrotum for swollen veins during the examination, you will be asked to stand and perform the Valsalva technique, which involves holding your breath while bearing down. To measure the testes and veins, an ultrasound may be requested.

Treatments

To access the femoral vein, the interventionalist will make a little incision in the groin.  Next, the testicular vein will be accessed utilizing several wires and tubes.  A blockage of the gonadal vein will occur. Sclerosants, coils, and other methods can be utilized, along with other strategies, to occlude the vein. For more information on therapy, visit our page on varicocele embolization.