In most cases, varicocele remains undetected until the men get an infertility check-up or discomfort due to nagging scrotal is experienced. No wonder, it can be hard to detect varicocele as it is a harmless condition but can severely affect your erections. Taking swollen veins into consideration is essential as these veins can hamper testosterone circulation and can even lower your confidence. Thus, if you are facing some decline in your sexual performance or are facing any other related issues then it is essential to gather complete knowledge about varicocele and possible solutions. Thus, keep reading to not miss any point.
Understanding varicocele
To understand varicocele can be a bit complicated. The varicose vein which is available in the scrotum leads to this situation. The spermatic cord having these veins can sometimes enlarge. Also, uneven working of valves and blood pooling can result in this uncomfortable and serious problem. Also, there are some stats defining that around 15% of men are facing this condition and around 40% of men are facing infertility.
Is it possible for Varicocele to result in Erectile Dysfunction?
Varicocele is directly linked with fertility issues. However, there is some evidence that shows its impact on erectile functioning as well as testosterone.
Here are some points that show its linkage with erectile dysfunction:
- Heat stress
The pooled blood can lead to rising testicle temperature. A minor rise in the temperature can lead to uneven production of testosterone.
- Hormonal disruption
The Leydig cells which are responsible for testosterone production can hamper because of high heat and lack of oxygen.
- Stress
The reduction in the blood flow can lead to high free radicals. This can hamper the cells which are meant for hormone production.
- Insufficient venous
The men facing varicocele often face venous leaks. This is a situation when blood in the penis doesn’t stay for a long time and erection issues start.
What are the common symptoms of varicocele?
It is not possible to witness the common symptoms of varicocele every time. However, some of the symptoms can be experienced during a physical activity or fertility situation. The common varicocele symptoms are:
- When the scrotum feels heavy plus the dragging situation exists.
- Feeling severe pain after standing for a long duration or going for an intense workout.
- The enlarged veins can be seen clearly.
- There is a situation of mostly left testicle shrinkage.
- There are some performance problems while in bed.
Facing more than two symptoms can be a positive sign of facing varicocele. Thus, it is essential to contact a doctor or medical practitioner at this point.
Varicocele: Understanding the Severity Grading of this Situation
This medical issue can be divided into certain grades. If the grade is higher than expectations then it can hamper the production of hormones as well as testicular functioning.
Grade 1: The mild situation
- This is detectable when you cough or get down.
- It is asymptomatic
- It hardly affects erections
Grade 2: The moderate situation
- This is palpable without the Valsalva maneuver requirement.
- When pain or heaviness persists.
- The hormonal effects will start to appear.
Grade 3: The severe situation
- The veins will be visible via the scrotal.
- Discomfort and severe pain can be experienced.
- The severity of this problem can lead to testicular atrophy as well as hormone disruption.
When is the right time to undergo varicocele surgery?
In most cases, varicocele surgery is not needed. This medical situation can be handled without the involvement of invasive processes.
Here are some situations when varicocele surgery is not needed:
- When you are facing subclinical varicocele and there are no symptoms to be seen.
- When you are experiencing grade 1 varicocele and there is no involvement of testicular pain and imbalance of hormones.
- Normal testosterone levels. Plus, you are not facing any issues with your sexual performance.
Here are some situations when varicocele surgery can turn out to be beneficial:
- This surgery can be opted for during constant scrotal pain.
- There is testicular shrinkage.
- After getting the blood tests done, there is an indication of low testosterone.
- When you are facing sexual dysfunction no other cause is visible.
- Fertility issues and the semen analysis turn out to be abnormal.
What non-surgical approaches can be followed by people facing low-grade Varicocele?
If you are facing varicocele in grade 1 or 2 then there is a possibility that surgery can be avoided. This can be done by preserving the balance between hormones and the functioning of the testicular. However, here are some points to be noted:
- Get hormone monitoring as it can help in checking your estradiol levels, testosterone, and other things. The stability of all can be beneficial.
- It is essential to consult a doctor or the best sexologist. Early diagnosis can be helpful in avoiding varicocele surgery.
- Another point to keep in mind is to make lifestyle modifications like avoiding wearing tight undergarments, avoiding consuming alcohol, smoking, etc.
Varicocele: The right time to monitor and act
Ignoring varicocele with clear symptoms can result in testicular damage, bad sexual performance, along with low testosterone.
It is essential to monitor varicocele if:
- You are facing no pain, normal erections, and the level of hormones is normal.
- No fertility issues are experienced with grade 1 varicocele.
The varicocele treatment is required if:
- The symptoms can be experienced and visibility of veins is there.
- Hormone tests lead to low testosterone
- There is a testicle shrinking.
- Poor sexual performance
Conclusion
Varicocele is not just a simple fertility problem. It can slowly affect the semen quality, lead to erectile dysfunction, and can hamper the hormones. Also, if it is left untreated then the case can reach its severity stage. This is why it is essential to get evaluated and consider meeting the best sexologist in Ludhiana. To keep your fertility intact Sanjiwani Health Centre can be helpful. We provide the best solutions for varicocele and allow you to maintain a balance between hormones and experience great sexual performance. With us, you are in safe hands and can leave varicocele behind.