What are the dangers of varicocele?

Damage caused by varicocele

 Varicocele affects about 15% of adult males and 20% of adolescents, and although some affected men do not notice it, its prolonged presence without intervention jeopardizes their reproductive well-being.

Therefore, understanding the harms of varicocele and the importance of the matter is crucial for maintaining male reproductive health. So, what are these harms?

What are the Harms of Varicocele?

Varicocele consists of enlarged veins in the scrotum, developing due to a flaw in the veins or their valves.

The varices raise the testicle temperature—normally, the testicular temperature is about 3 degrees Celsius lower than the body temperature—which impacts its function and causes three main issues:

Feeling of discomfort and pain.

Impaired fertility.

Reduced production of the testosterone hormone.

We will cover some of these in detail in the following lines.

Note: The harms of varicocele differ from its complications, and more information can be found in the article "Complications of Testicular Varicocele."

Varicocele and Pain

Varicocele does not cause noticeable symptoms in most men, but when its size becomes significant, the man experiences pain in the scrotum, which intensifies in hot weather, during prolonged standing, or strenuous exercise, and lessens with rest and relaxation.

Thus, we advise any man feeling these symptoms to consult a male health specialist for prompt diagnosis and determination of the suitable treatment.

Varicocele and Fertility

There is a clear link between varices and procreation; statistics indicate that varicocele is the cause of infertility in approximately one-third of men facing conception difficulties.

The reason is that varicocele negatively affects sperm production and quality, as it reduces blood flow to the testicle and the delivery of necessary nutrients for sperm production and quality enhancement.

Do the Harms of Varicocele Include Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction?

We continue our discussion about the harms of varicocele by answering this question that occupies the minds of a significant number of men with the condition.

In reality, there is no direct association between varicocele and premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. In advanced cases of varices, the testicle's secretion of testosterone hormone might decrease, consequently lowering libido and sexual performance, leading to weaker erections or rapid ejaculation.

What Happens if Varicocele Treatment is Delayed?

Delaying the treatment of testicular varicocele can lead to chronic pain in the scrotum, psychological issues—like anxiety and depression—negatively affecting social relationships and married life. Furthermore, varices cause testicular atrophy and permanent sterility.

How is Varicocele Treated?

The treatment for varicocele is determined based on the size of the varices, their impact on fertility, and the patient's age and general health are also considered. Usually, treatment for mild grades of varicocele is limited to periodic follow-up with a doctor and taking painkillers as needed.

For advanced stages of varices accompanied by fertility issues, the physician might recommend surgery to remove the varices and restore the testicle's normal function.

Can Varicocele be Prevented?

There is no specific method to prevent varicocele because its causes are not clearly known. However, certain healthy habits can reduce the risk of occurrence or prevent the condition from progressing, including:

Maintaining a healthy weight.

Exercising regularly to improve blood circulation.

Avoiding prolonged standing to lessen pressure on the leg and pelvic veins, including the scrotal veins.

Wearing loose underwear, as tight clothing compresses the veins.

Avoiding long stays in hot baths, as they increase the likelihood of vein expansion.

Summary Regarding the Harms of Varicocele...

The harms of varicocele include infertility, reduced testosterone levels, and testicular atrophy. These adverse effects can be averted by visiting a male health specialist knowledgeable in this area.