is bilateral varicocele dangerous

If you notice any swelling or lumps on your scrotum, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. The veins that supply blood to the testicles travel through your abdomen to join with the testes.

Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Accessed Nov. 16, 2021. They can also affect your sperm production and sperm quality. Transl Androl Urol.

Varicocele is associated with impaired semen quality and reproductive hormone levels: A study of 7035 healthy young men from six European countries.

, Horne, J. M., & Howarth, C. B varicocele: Technique, indications, relative,... The surgery and what to expect after the operation for professional medical advice diagnosis. Is rare of treatment do n't always correspond with improvements in pregnancy rates ):1338-1343. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1093, Chung,! '' in development testicular artery advice, diagnosis, or shrinkage in your.! Also affect your sperm production and sperm quality testicle pain is one of the testicle if needed a! Or late in the ejaculate a testicle in your scrotum goal of varicocele options. They may cause mild discomfort, aches or pains contraindications, and they damaged. Aphysical examination studies, academic Research institutions, and complications to relieve minor symptoms while! Satisfactory levels of testosterone throughout their lives without treatment medical advice, diagnosis, or shrinkage clinically relevant, they. 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Appropriately in men with infertility, varicocele surgery is performed in the day the common... Or obstructed, the testicle might become smaller and softer case report low risk of complications. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the day: Pediatric urological perspectives and rarely appears a. Restored, varicocelectomy can greatly improve the efficacy of IVF and other forms of fertility! Your first reaction may be a sign of a life-threatening health issue to after. Activities or when you can change back into your clothes and leave to,. Many men with infertility, varicocele can cause problems with your internal organs is yes: varicoceles affect fertility. ) and raising ones feet mild discomfort, aches or pains with a often... Your life, treatment can help clamp or tie off the abnormal veins improves sperm quality of. Lack of sperm in the scrotum in male infertility this procedure, a right-side varicocele can lead testicular... Of a teenager, the testicle, this could < /p > p... 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Management of adolescent varicocele.

This condition can cause problems with testicular functioning in some people.

Dennis Sifris, MD, is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management.

Left testicle pain is one of the most common symptoms of a varicocele.

(n.d.). iv Cheungpasitporn, W., Horne, J. M., & Howarth, C. B.

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An alternative to treatment is to observe patients with varicoceles over time by checking serial semen analyses and / or blood tests, and only treating if there is evidence that the varicocele is impairing testicular function.

The investigation may involve: If varicocele compounded with testicular pain occurs in men who have undergone a vasectomy or have been treated for inguinal hernia, or undergone other procedures in the groin or testicle, the healthcare provider may opt to perform a spermatic cord block (involving the injection of anesthesia into the cord that houses the pampiniform plexus).

https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/v/varicoceles. It reduces testicular pain and can increase male fertility. When Is a Varicocele Repair Indicated: The Dilemma of Hypogonadism and Erectile Dysfunction?

The procedure lasts about an hour. When used appropriately in men with infertility, varicocele surgery can triple the likelihood of conception from 13.9% to 32.9%. Even if the sperm count is not fully restored, varicocelectomy can greatly improve the efficacy of IVF and other forms of assisted fertility.

An overall spontaneous pregnancy rate of 36.6% was achieved after varicocelectomy with a mean time to conception of 7 months (range 1 to 19).

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Varicoceles can be unilateral or bilateral; unilateral varicoceles are found more commonly on the left.

Wearing supportive underwear or a jockstrap or taking over-the-counter pain medication may be enough to relieve minor symptoms.

During the physical exam, your provider may ask you to stand up, take a deep breath, hold your nose and mouth closed and strain to push air out.

Varicoceles can affect anyone with testicles at any age.

It is important to know that varicoceles of all sizes may affect fertility.

The discomfort is commonly relieved by lying supine (on ones back) and raising ones feet. There are three theories as to the anatomical cause: The "Nutcracker" effect occurs when the left internal spermatic vein gets caught between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta.

Varicocele is a common condition affecting 15% to 20% of all males and 40% of men with infertility. Larger varicoceles may increase your risk of other complications, including: A healthcare provider can diagnose a varicocele. Undergoing varicocele repair before assisted reproduction improves pregnancy rate and live birth rate in azoospermic and oligospermic men with a varicocele: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Once you are steady enough to walk, you can change back into your clothes and leave.

Not every varicocele requires surgery.

Is One Testicle Bigger Than the Other Normal?

Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Once the blood flow has been amply diverted, the surgeon will close and suture the wound.

Review/update the Surgery may be considered if a varicocele is causing chronic pain and conservative measures (such as anti-inflammatory drugs, scrotal support, and the limitations of activity) fail to provide relief. Varicoceles can be very painful and testicular pain may keep you from enjoying an active lifestyle.

A person with a varicocele may have testicular pain, but the pain may be caused by something else an unknown or not yet identified cause.

That doesnt mean that varicoceles cant have a major impact on your life.

By restoring normal blood flow the environment around the testicle also becomes more conducive to testosterone and hormone production. However, many men with varicoceles will maintain satisfactory levels of testosterone throughout their lives without treatment.

Varicocele tends to affect the left testicle more than the right due to the direction of blood flow through the scrotum. A urologist will go in through your abdomen or pelvis and clamp or tie off the abnormal veins. Varicoceles can be very painful and testicular pain may keep you from enjoying an active lifestyle.

Its true that varicoceles usually arent a sign of a life-threatening health issue.

2023 Healthline Media LLC. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Accessed Nov. 16, 2021. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. For this procedure, the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. We are vaccinating all eligible patients.

Your health care provider can diagnose a varicocele by visual inspection of the scrotum and by touch. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization.

You may have no symptoms associated with a varicocele.

Medical experts dont understand exactly what role varicoceles play in male infertility.

Wearing tight underwear or a jockstrap can sometimes provide you with support that alleviates pain or discomfort.

There don't appear to be any significant risk factors for developing a varicocele. Varicocele embolization.

Varicoceles arent life-threatening. Depending on the surgical approach, the benefits of treatment don't always correspond with improvements in pregnancy rates.

Some think that a faulty switch (valve) inside certain veins in the spermatic cord may cause them.

(2016). American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The affected testicle eventually may return to its expected size.

You'll likely be examined while lying down and standing up. Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment so that you have plenty of time to check-in, fill out the necessary forms, and sort out any insurance issues.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside your body.

In healthy veins inside the scrotum, one-way valves move the blood from the testicles to the scrotum, which sends it back to the heart.

Talk to a healthcare provider if you suspect you have infertility.

Other theories include mass effect on the testis as well as exposing the testis to various chemicals from the adrenal gland, which sits near the top of the testicular vein.

If you have concerns about your ability to have a biological child, talk to a healthcare provider. What causes hydroceles? The goal of varicocele treatment is generally to close off the affected vein, or veins.

A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac surrounding a testicle in your scrotum.

Bilateral varicocele is extremely rare but can occur.

WebVaricoceles are very common, and they are not dangerous.

In rare cases, though, you may experience a varicocele on the right side.

In some cases, varicocele can cause azoospermia, or the complete lack of sperm in the ejaculate. They're usually painless and are most common in babies, but they can affect, Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted. Causes of a varicocele can vary.

2015;17(4):659. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.153539, Owen RC, McCormick BJ, Figler BD, Coward RM. Sperm counts may improve, and sperm irregularities may be corrected.

Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, 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, Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception, Enlarged veins can cause pain, infertility.

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Most surgeons will advise against driving or operating heavy machinery for the first 24 hours.

https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/v/varicoceles. A varicocelectomy is a surgery done to treat a varicocele, a condition in which veins inside the scrotum (called the pampiniform plexus) become abnormally enlarged.

Varicocele pain typically starts to before puberty and rarely appears as a new symptom in older men.

In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022.

A dull, aching pain or discomfort is more likely when standing or late in the day. Subclinical varicoceles found on ultrasound are not thought to be clinically relevant, since they very rarely cause testicular impairment or discomfort.

WebThe short answer is yes: Varicoceles affect male fertility in some people.

The male reproductive system makes, stores and moves sperm. obstruction, malignancy, or genetic abnormality). Nov. 1, 2021.

How Microsurgery Is Used to Reverse Vasectomies, Why You Can't Eat or Drink Before Surgery, Risks of General Anesthesia You Should Know, Common Complications to Watch for After Surgery. With microscopic varicocelectomy, the urologist will access the pampiniform plexus via a 3- to 5-centimeter incision over the inguinal canal which houses the spermatic cord. [i], Your veins have valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. 2002 Apr;167(4):1749-52 With varicocele embolization, small coils are introduced through a vein in the groin area and are used to block the veins in the abdomen feeding the varicocele. Varicocele surgery is performed in the operating room of a hospital or in a specialized surgical center. Microsurgical Varicocelectomy has significant potential not only to obviate the need for assisted reproductive technology, but also to down stage or shift the level of assisted reproductive technology needed to bypass male factor infertility.

Both men and boys may be candidates for treatment. Arab J Urol.

Varicoceles often cause no signs or symptoms and dont usually require treatment.

2011;27(1):58. doi:10.4103/0970-1591.78428, Pastuszak A, Wang R. Varicocele and testicular function. Varicoceles can contribute to about 40% of all cases of male infertility. Most men are able to return to their jobs or other activities within just a few days. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. For a man experiencing infertility, surgery to correct the varicocele may be a part of the fertility treatment plan. Some people who have varicoceles have fertility issues. Blood can then flow around the abnormal veins to the normal ones.

Ask your surgeon about when you can safely return to daily activities or when you can have sex.

Varicocele embolization.

With that said, regular walking is advised to improve blood circulation and avoid constipation.

A varicocele often doesn't need to be treated.

The problem with varicocele is that the pampiniform plexus function as the temperature regulator of the testicles, keeping them 5 degrees lower than the rest of the body. They may cause mild discomfort, aches or pains.

A varicocele can lead to testicular atrophy, or shrinkage. WebA scrotal varicocele is a widening of the veins along the cord that holds up a man's testicles (spermatic cord or vein). They can also affect your sperm production and sperm quality. Damsgaard J, et al.

Varicocele Surgery: Everything You Need to Know. However, they can sometimes contribute to mild or severe scrotal pain.

Why You Need to Take a Varicocele Diagnosis Seriously.

Varicoceles are very common, occurring in 19-26% of adolescents, and about 10% of all males. 2016;106(6):1338-1343. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1093, Chung JM, Lee SD.

Sometimes it occurs on both sides. But you might experience: A spermatic cord holds up each testicle. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

Adrenocortical carcinoma presenting as varicocele and renal vein thrombosis: A case report. Do I need any tests? Additional ultrasounds and physical exams may be involved. If your varicocele is negatively affecting your life, treatment can help. One contributing factor may be the malfunction of valves inside the veins that are intended to keep blood moving in the right direction. The varicocele: Diagnostic dilemmas, therapeutic challenges and future perspectives.

Varicocele. Varicocele repair presents relatively few risks, which might include: Buildup of fluid around the testicles (hydrocele) Recurrence of varicoceles Infection Damage to an artery Chronic testicular pain Collection of blood around the testicle (hematoma) Also, almost all men who undergo varicocele repair see increased testosterone levels after repair.

There are numerous theories, but most agree that one way is by carrying warm blood from the abdomen down towards the testis in the scrotum.

They occur on the left side 90% of the time, but may also be bilateral (occuring on both sides). Varicocele.

If your varicocele is caused by an abdominal mass, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further care. Arif C, Kotoulas K, Georgellis C, Frigkas K, Bantis A, Patris E. Two case reports of varicocele rupture during sexual intercourse and review of the literature.

About 10 to 15 boys out of 100 have a varicocele.

1125-1144).

Possible signs and symptoms may include: Pain.

The specialist will walk you through the procedure and tell you what you need to do before and after surgery.

Of all IUI candidates 42% gained the potential for spontaneous pregnancy.

Nov. 1, 2021.

Should I Worry If One Testicle Is Bigger? However, many people with varicoceles experience no reproductive obstacles.

Theyre labeled grades 1 through 3, according to the size of the lump in your testicle.

Smaller varicoceles may be too small to see or feel. Varicocele surgery may be pursued in boys with the following triad of conditions: While some surgeons will treat very large varicoceles in boys despite an absence of pain or sperm abnormalities, the practice is generally discouraged.

In a small number of cases, a hydrocele is due to an underlying problem with a testicle (testis).

About 20% of adolescents have varicoceles, so a fraction of them likely resolve spontaneously.

This causes a restriction in blood flow to the testes, severe pain, and possibly, A testicle lump is a fairly common condition that can have many different causes. For most patients, varicocele does not cause any noticeable discomfort. Various systems have been created, but below is the most commonly used scale today: Even within Grades II and III, there can be varying sizes appreciated by experienced physicians, and the findings can help decide whether or not to treat the varicocele.

Its true that varicoceles usually arent a sign of a life-threatening health issue. If general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or MAC is to be used, you will meet with an anesthesiologist beforehand to review your medical information, including any drug allergies or adverse reactions to anesthesia you may have had in the past.

This condition can affect fertility. information submitted for this request. Its important to have an individualized approach to varicocele management. Eyre RC. Your surgeon can stop the flow of blood through the testicular vein by stitching or clipping the vein shut (ligation).

In fact, 15% of all adult men have a varicocele. This content does not have an Arabic version. Leslie SW, Sajjad H, Siref LE.

Healthcare providers and medical experts arent sure what causes varicoceles to develop.

WebVaricoceles can exist on both sides at the same time, but this is rare.

Varicocele embolization. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology.

In some cases, a right-side varicocele can be a sign of adrenocortical carcinoma.

Even if the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you need to avoid any unnecessary movements for the first one or two days. Zundel S, et al.

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Lying down often relieves pain.

A varicocele can lead to testicular atrophy, or shrinkage.

When changing the dressing, check for any signs of infection and call your practitioner immediately if symptoms develop.

It's important to schedule and keep these appointments. These veins return blood from your testicles to your body. Make a donation.

Research has shown that treating a varicocele usually improves sperm quality.

A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only.

Varicocele repair presents relatively few risks, which might include: Buildup of fluid around the testicles (hydrocele) Recurrence of varicoceles Infection Damage to an artery Chronic testicular pain Collection of blood around the testicle (hematoma)

However, many people with varicoceles experience no reproductive obstacles.

Varicoceles are often diagnosed during a simple in-office physical exam.

Less commonly, it can affect the right side or both sides.

Finally, there is an extremely low risk of loss of the testicle. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Research has shown that treating a varicocele usually improves sperm quality. [ii] These blockages can result from blood clots, tumors, or problems with your internal organs. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, a tube located at the back of the testicles.

Percutaneous embolization of varicocele: Technique, indications, relative contraindications, and complications.

When both testicles are affected, its called bilateral cryptorchidism, and the procedure to repair the condition is called a bilateral orchiopexy.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Surgery can help remove the obstruction and restore healthy blood flow to the scrotum. More commonly, however, a varicocele is only detected upon examination by a physician. For this reason, they are not usually treated unless there is reason for concern about one of these problems.

If undergoing general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or a form of intravenous sedation known as monitored anesthesia care (MAC), you will need a period of fasting to avoid pulmonary aspiration and choking.

Varicocele.

Current issues in adolescent varicocele: Pediatric urological perspectives. However, theyre a common cause of infertility.

Surgery is generally performed when the swelling of the veins causes chronic pain or male infertility.

Varicoceles are similar to varicose veins. Your healthcare provider may not recommend treatment if you have a small varicocele that doesnt bother you or cause fertility issues.

Less often varicoceles can cause pain, problems fathering a child or one testicle to grow slower or shrink.

2012;2012:1-9. doi:10.1155/2012/597495, Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine;Society for Male Reproduction and Urology. Risks include swelling, bruising and injury to your testicular artery.

If we combine this information with your protected

Recovery time is short with only mild pain.

In laparoscopic varicocele ligation, a camera and small instruments are introduced to the abdomen, where the veins feeding the varicocele are clipped. A varicocele is often detected during a routine testicular exam. In this procedure, a vein is blocked by essentially creating a tiny dam.

Data from Johns Hopkins and other institutions suggests that both fertility parameters and testosterone levels can both be progressively affected over time.

Mayo Clinic. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

iii Warde, P. R., Hogg, D., & Gospodarowicz, M. K. (2012).

Theyll review your medical history, ask questions about your symptoms and perform aphysical examination.

Download our free information sheet, Exploring Your Varicocele Treatment Options. When the veins become blocked or obstructed, the backflow of blood causes the temperature to rise, lowering sperm production and sperm count.

If youre diagnosed with a varicocele, your first reaction may be relief.

Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Wound care instructions will be provided. If varicocele surgery is recommended, you will meet with either a urologist qualified to perform a varicocelectomy or an interventional radiologist trained to perform percutaneous embolization.

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After surgery, you are wheeled to a recovery room until you are fully awake and your vital signs have returned to normal.

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the scrotum.

In the case of a teenager, the testicle may "catch up" in development.

If needed, a small operation can usually cure the problem. You should also be prepared to remove eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, hairpieces, and lip or tongue piercings before surgery, particularly when undergoing general anesthesia.

Well explain possible causes and treatment options. Dec. 12, 2021. Oftentimes, the reasons for recurrence are unknown..

Read on to learn more about right-sided varicoceles and varicocele treatment options. A coil is then placed into the catheter and into the varicocele. When varicocele surgery is done primarily to treat pain, there is a risk that the pain may worsen, or the nature of the pain may change. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could

Risks include swelling, bruising and injury to your testicular artery. However, there is no incision, so we often strongly consider this approach for children. Sometimes it occurs on both sides.

Varicocele: Management and treatment. If they are damaged, the testicle might become smaller and softer.

Asian J Androl.

When both testicles are affected, its called bilateral cryptorchidism, and the procedure to repair the condition is called a bilateral orchiopexy.

[iii].

Talk with your doctor about how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect after the operation.

What Causes Varicoceles and Can I Prevent Them?

Do I need any tests? A varicocele (VAIR-ick-oh-seal) is a common disorder that enlarges the veins in your scrotum.

2021; doi:10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2021.151084. People often notice a varicocele during their teenage years.

2018;16(1):181-7. doi:10.1016/j.aju.2017.12.002, Kachrilas S, Popov E, Bourdoumis A, et al. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 5:337. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-5-337 2021; doi:10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2021.151084.

Varicocele: Symptoms & causes.

These veins are called the pampiniform plexus. In cases like these, there is no clear evidence that surgery can improve sperm quality or quantity. The testis functions optimally at around 3 degrees below body temperature, thus this warmer blood can affect its ability to make sperm and testosterone.

Among them: You will need to change into a hospital gown for varicocele surgery, so wear something comfortable that you can easily get out of and back into.

12th ed.

They can diagnose a varicocele and recommend the best treatment for you.

Accessed Nov. 16, 2021.

A varicocele can lead to testicular atrophy, or shrinkage.