Emergency Cases
Salamanca Guanajuato
464 116 2012
San Miguel de Allende
415 111 6819
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Varicocele
Varicocele is the enlargement of the veins within the loose skin that supports the testicles, they can be located generally in the scrotum or in the spermatic cord in the case of men.
In the case of woman, dilation occurs in the ovarian veins and produces pelvic varicose veins.
It usually arises during the course of puberty, most often on the left side of the scrotum, and although it is usually harmless, in some people it can damage the testicles or decrease sperm production.
A varicocele develops when valves within the veins along the spermatic cord prevent blood from circulating properly.
This blood accumulates, which causes swelling and dilation of these veins and is like the varicose veins that we can see in the legs.
Most of the time, varicoceles develop slowly.
They are most common in men between the ages of 15 and 25 and are most often seen on the left side of the scrotum.
The sudden appearance of a varicocele in an older man may be causes by kidney tumor that can block blood flow to a vein.
Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and quality, which can also lead to infertility.
However, not all varicoceles affect sperm production, but they can cause the testicles to fail to develop normally or to shrink.
Most varicoceles manifest over time.
Fortunately, most varicoceles are easy to diagnose, and many don’t need treatment.
Over time, the varicocele may get larger and more noticeable. Its appearance has been described as benign very similar to a bag of worms and the condition may cause swelling of the testicle, usually on the left side. If the varicocele causes symptoms, it can be surgically repaired.
To diagnose a varicocele, you have to think about it and look for it during the physical examination. Initially, all the scrotal and inguinal content is explored with the patient lying down and later the patient is asked to stan up and increase his abdominal pressure (Valsalva maneuver), at this time, the urologist could defect if there is a varicocele.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Normally the varicocele is asymptomatic, but in cases where it can cause pain this may:
- Vary between sharp pain and mild discomfort
- Increase when standing or exerting yourself, especially during long periods.
- Worse over the course of the day
- Decrease when lying on your back
- Alter fertility
- Generate non- specific groin or testicular discomfort
