Do you sometimes feel something different, heavy, or like a ball of string in your testicles? It can sometimes be painful. Although many people are embarrassed to talk about it, this is a very common condition among men. Today we are going to talk about a condition called 'Varicocele' and the surgery called 'Varicocelectomy'. Don't worry, we will talk about this simply and in a way that everyone can understand.
What is Varicocele?
Simply put, a varicocele is a condition where the veins inside the scrotum, the sac of skin that holds your testicles, become larger and swollen than normal. Think of it like the varicose veins in our legs, and the same thing happens to the testicles.
Although this condition can occur at any age, it is most often first seen in young adulthood, that is, after puberty. In a country like America, it is said that one in five men have this condition. So you can imagine how common this is.
Who needs a Varicocelectomy?
Not everyone with a varicocele will need surgery. However, there are a few situations in which your doctor may recommend this surgery:
- Infertility: Varicocele is a major cause of male infertility. Therefore, this surgery can increase fertility in a man who is expecting a child. In fact, studies show that the probability of pregnancy after this surgery can increase by up to 70%.
- Testicular pain: If you experience frequent testicular pain.
- Low testosterone levels: Varicocele can cause your production of the male hormone testosterone to decrease.
- Testicular Atrophy: If the testicle on the side with the varicocele is significantly smaller than the other.
How does a doctor diagnose varicocele?
When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. During this time, you will be asked to stand, sit, and hold your breath while contracting your abdominal muscles, as if you were having a bowel movement (the Valsalva maneuver) . This is to see if you can clearly feel the swelling of your veins.
Most of the time (about 90%) this condition is seen only in the left testicle, but sometimes it can be present on both sides.
The doctor may recommend several more tests for an accurate diagnosis.
- Ultrasound Scan: This allows you to see very clearly the condition of the veins inside the testicles.
- Semen Analysis: This test helps determine if this condition has affected your fertility.
- Blood Test: Check things like hormone levels.
After these tests, your Varicocele will be classified into grades based on the severity.
| Varicocele Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade 0 | This is the smallest type. It cannot be felt during a physical examination, but can be seen with an ultrasound scan. |
| Grade I | The doctor can only feel it when you do the Valsalva maneuver (hold your breath and squeeze). |
| Grade II | Even when you're in a normal position, you can feel it, but you can't see it. |
| Grade III | This is the largest type. It is clearly visible from the outside. |
What are the types of Varicocelectomy surgeries?
There are two main methods for performing this surgery.
1. Open Surgery
In this, the surgery is performed by cutting the skin and clearly viewing the tissue inside. It is divided into several types depending on the location of the incision. (Example: Inguinal, Subinguinal).
2. Minimally Invasive Surgery
In these methods, there is very little damage to the skin and tissues, so the healing time is short.
- Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy: In this, a few very small incisions are made in the lower abdomen and a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted. The doctor can see on a monitor and perform the surgery with very delicate instruments. This surgery takes a short time, about 30-40 minutes.
- Microsurgical Varicocelectomy: This is also a small incision, and a very powerful microscope is used to clearly view the delicate veins. This is considered the most successful and safest method available. This can take between 1-3 hours.
How do you recover after surgery?
Recovery time may vary from person to person, but in general, these are the things to expect.
The most important thing is to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Pain and swelling: The swelling and bruising in the groin and scrotum area will subside after 3-4 weeks. Use painkillers prescribed by your doctor to relieve the pain. Applying an ice pack is also good for swelling.
- Activity: Avoid lifting anything heavier than 4.5 kg (10 lbs) for at least two weeks. Also, avoid masturbation and sexual intercourse for a week or two.
- Wound care: Keep the wound clean. It is better to take a shower than a bath.
- Diet: Eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables) and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation. Straining while defecating is not good for the wound.
- Return to work/school: Most people can return to normal activities within 3 days.
What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?
Like any surgery, this one has benefits and minor risks.
| Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|
| Increased sperm and testosterone production, increasing fertility . | Risks related to anesthesia. |
| Reduced pain in the testicles. | Infection of the wound. |
| The appearance of the testicles returns to normal. | Blood clot (Hematoma). |
| The surgery is relatively safe and complications are rare. | Hydrocele (fluid accumulation around the testicles). |
| Rarely, a varicocele recurs. |
When do you need to see the doctor immediately?
After surgery, your doctor will usually give you a day for follow-up. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- Excessive bleeding from cuts.
- Having a fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit).
- Signs of wound infection (redness, swelling, pus).
- The pain becomes unbearable .
Take-Home Message
- Varicocele is a common and treatable condition among men, so there is no reason to be afraid or ashamed of it.
- Although this condition can affect fertility, there is a great chance that varicocelectomy surgery can improve fertility.
- This is a relatively safe surgery, but to achieve successful results, it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions carefully after the surgery.
- If you have any questions or doubts about this, talk to your doctor openly about it. He or she will explain everything to you.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න