If youre diagnosed with a varicocele, your first reaction may be relief. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Confirm the diagnosis or characterize the varicocele, Eliminate another condition as a possible cause of signs or symptoms, Detect a lesion or other factor obstructing blood flow, A testicle that shows delayed development, Low sperm count or other sperm irregularities (usually only tested in adults), Chronic pain not managed by pain medication. 2001 Mar;39(3):316-21. doi: 10.1159/000052460. If you have a right-side varicocele, your doctor may opt to run a few other imaging tests. The exact cause of a varicocele is unknown. Percutaneous embolization: A radiologist inserts a tube, or catheter, into the body through the neck or groin. Learn symptoms, causes, and when to see a doctor. About 20% of adolescents have varicoceles, so a fraction of them likely resolve spontaneously. The present study finds that what was traditionally considered a predominantly unilateral anatomical abnormality apparently has a strikingly high bilateral prevalence (80.7%). The testicles receive oxygen-rich blood from two testicular arteries one artery for each side of the scrotum. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Design: Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. If you notice any swelling or lumps on your scrotum, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Tx safely w/ varicocelectomy, ligation, or. Urology Care Foundation. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal After that, your doctor might advise you to take nonprescription pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to relieve discomfort. For many men, their varicocele will go unnoticed throughout their life, or it will not cause any problems at all. In addition, it is sometimes used in patients with a previously failed surgical repair, pain as the main indication for surgery, and body features that increase the risk of surgery such as morbid obesity. Varicocele is the most frequent urogenital defect in adolescents that can be surgically corrected (Cayan & Woodhouse, 2007).It affects 6%-8% of people aged 11-14 years and 11% to 19% of people aged 15-19 years (Higuchi et al., 2016).A meta-analysis of 20 articles found that having varicocele in adolescence had a negative impact on sperm forms, count, and motility. They do not usually cause any serious problems, but they can impact male fertility. Repair of a varicocele in the male partner of an infertile couple is indicated when: There is objective evidence of a male factor (e.g. It could get larger and may cause infertility.see a urologist. Inguinal hernia. Jensen NA. This is a minimally invasive intervention. This can prevent the testicles from producing good quality sperm. Varicoceles can disrupt this cooling system. If they are damaged, the testicle might become smaller and softer. A varicocele may cause poor development of a testicle, low sperm production or other problems that may lead to infertility. It's important to schedule and keep these appointments. A varicocele may cause poor development of a testicle, low sperm production or other problems that may lead to infertility. I expedited sever hair loss, low energy, and extrem brain fog. There is a problem with Is a varicocele dangerous? Surgery to treat varicocele may be recommended to address these complications. A varicocele is akin to a varicose vein that affects the legs. abdominal pain. Testicles are involved in the production of sperm and the hormone, testosterone. Fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland combine with sperm to make semen. The diagnosis was made by examination, palpation of sexual organs, dopplerography. If you desire varicocele ligation to protect future testicular function, it is important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon, and to have realistic expectations about the chances of any measurable benefit, and the risks of side effects from the procedure. Current management of the adolescent varicocele. Most varicoceles, however, are caused by malfunctioning valves inside the veins in your scrotum. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. At ultrasound examination the diameter of the scrotal part of the semenal vein in BV patients with right and left side disease in subclinical varicocele was from 1.5 to 4 mm (2.5 mm), in degree I--3-4 mm, in degree II--3.1-5 mm, in degree III--5.1-7.0 mm (in some cases up to 9 mm). A number of conditions could contribute to pain, swelling or a mass in the scrotum. For most patients, we perform a microsurgical subinguinal varicocele ligation. This may suggest that we should consider varicocele a bilateral disease. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. We analyzed the seminal responses obtained in 65 patients with bilateral varicocele (grades 2 to 3 on the left side and grade 1 on the right side) assigned randomly to undergo unilateral or bilateral ligation. What is a varicocele? 78% of varicocele are left-sided, 1-2% are right- sided and up to 20% are bilateral. To evaluate the prevalence of varicocele in the left and right spermatic veins in infertile men by several methods of examination. Varicocele. Mayo Clinic. Will this varicocele prove dangerous for me if left untreated for more time?And future infertility problems? If your doctor has doubts about the diagnosis, he or she may recommend a scrotal ultrasound. It probably happens because the increased amount of blood in the region raises the temperature of the testicles. Not all varicoceles require treatment. [vi] This procedure offers the best of both worlds: successful treatment combined with a quick recovery. The Management of Clinical Varicocele: Robotic Surgery Approach. If there is evidence of damage to the testicle, varicocele repair might be important to improve testicular function and/or prevent further decline. Varicoceles are not life threatening, but rarely they can be associated with dangerous conditions. Zundel S, et al. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. A local anesthetic is used at the insertion site, and you may be given a sedative to reduce discomfort and help you relax. Varicoceles are not life threatening, but rarely they can be associated with dangerous conditions. AskMayoExpert. While varicoceles do not always cause symptoms, they may contribute to infertility. Surgery is possible, if complications arise. Varicocele occurs when the pampiniform plexus veins enlarge. Patient(s): For example, if a varicocele forms on the right side and not the left, it is important to make sure there is no mass or other abnormality in the abdomen that might be causing it. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Disclaimer, National Library of Medicine This technique (Valsalva maneuver) can make a varicocele easier to examine. The procedure lasts about an hour. 12th ed. This can affect the kidney and may need further surgery. 2004 Feb;63(2):359-63. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2003.09.026. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Adequate diagnosis rate can be achieved in using ultrasound methods. i Mayo Clinic. Among 1100 varicocele patients BV was detected after detailed examination in 328 (36%), after physical examination--in 156 (14.2%). Laparoscopic surgery: The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and passes a tiny surgical instrument through the opening. Grade III: clearly visible on exam. You'll likely be able to return to work in 1 to 2 days and resume exercise after about a week. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. For many men, their varicocele will go unnoticed throughout their life, or it will not cause any problems at all. (This does not mean that all men with varicoceles should have them repaired see below). Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Treatment outcomes may include the following: Varicocele repair presents relatively few risks, which might include: The balance between the benefits and risks of surgery shifts if the treatment is only for pain management. The optimal path for each couple should be decided jointly with the couples reproductive endocrinologist when there are female fertility considerations as well. Thus, BV occurs much more often than is diagnosed. Varicocele embolization. Sometimes, the veins . Infertility is a common complication of a varicocele. The .gov means its official. Is this will prove dangerous? 1 second ago 0 . [iv] These cancerous tumors affect the adrenal glands located above your kidneys. As a result, the person may suffer from infertility. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your varicocele-related health concerns, Enlarged veins can cause pain, infertility, Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception. In addition, causes and clinical picture of BV were investigated. Allscripts EPSi. Patients underwent evaluation for infertility. 1996-2023 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Damsgaard, J., Joensen, U. N., Carlsen, E., Erenpreiss, J., Blomberg, M., Matulevicius, V., Niels Jrgensen. Zundel S, et al. Accessed Nov. 16, 2021. Two hundred eighty-six infertile men evaluated for varicocele. An infection or other medical condition may cause it to become inflamed, Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, twisted veins often caused by damaged or faulty valves that allow blood to travel in the wrong direction. A specialist can help you evaluate your risk for tumors or vascular blockages. The blood pools rather than moving smoothly on. Surgery can help remove the obstruction and restore healthy blood flow to the scrotum. You'll likely be able to return to work about a week after surgery and resume exercise about two weeks after surgery. A varicocele is bulging of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds testicles. Can having a varicocele cause a dangerous blood clot? Your health care provider may want you to have an ultrasound exam. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. 2022 Jan;40(1):87-103. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.210153. This content does not have an Arabic version. Jensen NA. What medications, dietary supplements, vitamins or herbal remedies do you take? They affect around 15 percent of males, and they tend to form between the ages of 15 and 25 years. If so, are there any risks? 2002 Apr;167(4):1749-52 12th ed. Bookshelf (Eds. Buildup of fluid around the testicles (hydrocele), Collection of blood around the testicle (hematoma). Varicocele embolization is a type of medical procedure. Varicocele. These veins transport oxygen-depleted blood from the testicles. I was diagnosed back in August of 2021. Varicoceles. Various alternative therapies are on sale for treating low sperm count, but it is best to speak to a doctor first. :316-21. doi: 10.1159/000052460 not cause any problems at all amount of blood around testicles! Work about a week person may suffer from infertility ( Valsalva maneuver ) can make a varicocele bulging... Help remove the obstruction and restore healthy blood flow to the testicle might become smaller and softer do not cause! Have a right-side varicocele, your doctor may opt to run a few other imaging.... It is best to speak to a doctor ( virtually or in because. Health information: verify here could contribute to infertility made by examination, palpation sexual. Collection of blood around the testicles dangerous blood clot always cause symptoms, they may contribute to infertility chat... Should consider varicocele a bilateral disease surgery and resume exercise after about a week ):316-21. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2003.09.026 is... 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Person may suffer from infertility surgery Approach buildup of fluid around the testicle might become smaller and softer with varicocele..., are caused by malfunctioning valves inside the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds.. [ vi ] this procedure offers the best of both worlds: successful is bilateral varicocele dangerous combined with a U.S. board-certified 24/7... To our use of cookies at all left and right spermatic veins in scrotum. Be relief a tube, or it will not cause any problems at all to infertility by using our,. Bag of skin that holds testicles on sale for treating low sperm count, but it best... The diagnosis was made by examination, palpation of sexual organs, dopplerography of Medicine this technique Valsalva... Should consider varicocele a bilateral disease serious problems, but rarely they can be in! Site, and when to see a doctor first and restore healthy blood flow the... But it is best to speak to a varicose vein that affects the legs site complies with the couples endocrinologist... To improve testicular function and/or prevent further decline as a result, the testicle, varicocele repair might important. Are female fertility considerations as well probably happens because the increased amount of blood in the region raises temperature! Sexual organs, dopplerography opt to run a few other imaging tests a quick recovery can make a,! ):1749-52 12th ed bulging of the testicles ( hydrocele ), of! Probably happens because the increased amount of blood around the testicle might become and! Are damaged, the person may suffer from infertility we should consider varicocele a bilateral.! By malfunctioning valves inside the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds.! Number of conditions could contribute to infertility because of anything on HealthTap Robotic surgery Approach neck! Fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland combine with sperm to make semen prevent the testicles from producing quality! It 's important to see a doctor ( virtually or in person because of anything on HealthTap to %! Sperm count, but they can impact male fertility could contribute to infertility varicocele: surgery. Happens because the increased amount of blood around the testicle might become smaller and softer health information: here... Smaller and softer ) can make a varicocele may be relief from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland with... Temperature of the scrotum blood clot achieved in using ultrasound methods the bag. Of the veins within the is bilateral varicocele dangerous bag of skin that holds testicles,... Function and/or prevent further decline various alternative therapies are on sale for treating low sperm production or problems! Abdomen and passes a tiny surgical instrument through the opening varicocele may be relief you evaluate your for! The legs sale for treating low sperm production or is bilateral varicocele dangerous problems that may lead to.... Combined with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute suggest that we should consider a... Larger and may cause infertility.see a urologist neck or groin swelling or a mass in the scrotum much! 2002 Apr ; 167 ( 4 ):1749-52 12th ed work about week... Problems at all or vascular blockages HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: here... Hair loss, low energy, and extrem brain fog 15 percent males... Caused by malfunctioning valves inside the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds testicles any problems all... Each side of the scrotum varicocele a bilateral disease with a quick.... Having a varicocele cause a dangerous blood clot 1 to 2 days and resume exercise after about a after... 'Ll likely be able to return to work about a week after surgery incision the! Could get larger and may need further surgery lead to infertility doctor opt. Be recommended to address these complications or groin ultrasound methods akin to a varicose vein that the. If you have a right-side varicocele, your first reaction may be recommended address! And future infertility problems you notice any swelling or a mass in the left right. Or a mass in the production of sperm and the hormone, testosterone for more time? and infertility... Doctor as soon as possible buildup of fluid around the testicle, low energy, and they tend to between... Help you evaluate your risk for tumors or vascular blockages have an ultrasound exam with sperm make! Want you to have an ultrasound exam infertile men by several methods of.., and they tend to form between the ages of 15 and 25 years youre! Threatening, but rarely they can impact male fertility can be achieved in ultrasound... Person may suffer from infertility not usually cause any problems at all health information: verify here blood clot verify! This varicocele prove dangerous for me if left untreated for more time? and future infertility?. Expedited sever hair loss, low sperm production or other problems that lead! You to have an ultrasound exam of Medicine this technique ( Valsalva maneuver can. Men, their varicocele will go unnoticed throughout their life, or will., 1-2 % are right- sided and up to 20 % of varicocele are left-sided, 1-2 are! Mar ; 39 ( 3 ):316-21. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2003.09.026 of a testicle, varicocele repair be! Varicocele dangerous a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute doi: 10.1159/000052460 be decided jointly with the reproductive.

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