Every sixth man of childbearing age is susceptible to this insidious disease, while many do not even suspect that they have varicocellus. The disease, which is one of the most common reasons for surgery in teenage boys 13–17 years old, is varicose veins of the spermatic canal surrounding the testicle.
The testicles perform two functions: the production of testosterone - the main male sex hormone and the function of spermatogenesis - the formation of sperm. Everything masculine that the stronger sex has is due to the gonads. The testicles are the only organ that nature brought outside, covering them with the scrotum.
If we talk about the vessels of the testicles and their blood supply, then this is not one vessel, but a chain of small ones, extending from the upper main ones and, as it were, hugging the testicles. Sometimes in adolescence, dilatation of these veins occurs. This disease is called varicocelle.
There are two main causes of testicular varicose veins in men:
Other reasons include inadequate physical activity, excess body weight, bad habits, congenital vascular weakness, chronic intestinal diseases, and standing work.
Frequent use of tight-fitting underwear can also provoke the appearance of varicose veins. In such cases, it is better to choose loose shorts over sports trunks. Stagnation of blood in diseased vessels causes oxygen deficiency with an increase in temperature, and this is the first step to infertility.
For a long time, the disease can be asymptomatic and detected only during routine examinations. A characteristic symptom of testicular varicose veins in men may be pressing or pulling pain in the groin, caused by stagnation of blood.
The pain sometimes spreads to other genital organs . Manifestations intensify with muscle strain, overheating, sexual arousal, and physical inactivity. The left side of the scrotum may be slightly enlarged and drooping. With further progression of the disease, it becomes severe, sinks lower and interferes with walking.
There is also a decrease in the concentration of testosterone, a decrease in potency, the development of osteoporosis, metabolic disorders with the replacement of muscle tissue with fatty tissue.
There are several stages in the development of the disease:
External signs in the form of twisted, blood-filled veins, an enlarged scrotum, and a reduced left testicle are observed at the fourth stage of the disease. When examining for infertility, 40% of patients are diagnosed with testicular varicose veins.
There is an opinion that the left testicle is more often susceptible to varicose veins, since the signs are more pronounced on it. Medical statistics note 1% of the development of varicocellus only in the right testicle, 20% in two and in other cases - varicose veins of the left testicle.
The reason is said to be anatomical features of the structure with insufficient blood flow on this side. The blood here moves to the heart not through the lower vein, but through the left kidney, which is often compressed by the intestinal vessels.
The latest research shows that varicose veins must be examined and treated comprehensively.
The consequences of testicular varicose veins in men can manifest themselves in the form of prostate adenoma, infertility (decreased motility or complete absence of sperm), inflammation of the scrotum, oncology and other complications.
For a long time it was believed that this diagnosis was guaranteed to lead to infertility, so surgery was offered to teenagers, but 20 years ago an alternative version was developed. In our country, varicose veins are operated on completely in every clinic. But the disease does not always require surgical intervention - the very fact of diagnosis is not a reason for surgical treatment.
The operation is indicated in some cases:
The international protocol regulates: to prove these changes by observing the patient for 18–20 months with periodic examinations every 3–6 months. It is impossible to draw conclusions about the pathology earlier, especially since there is no urgency when performing such operations. The need for surgical treatment is determined by ultrasound.
Today's technologies make it possible to compare the size and consistency of the testicles, to monitor the condition of the very vein around the testicle, which, according to doctors, causes underdevelopment of the testicles.
The causes of varicocelle are associated with a kidney tumor, which compresses the vein, disrupting blood circulation in the ovarian vessels, as they extend from the renal vein. When they stagnate, varicose veins develop. That is why such a diagnosis in adolescents requires a thorough examination.
Thanks to commissions at the military registration and enlistment office, the disease is often diagnosed in the early stages. When the first degree of the disease is detected, young men are observed by a urologist due to the likelihood of self-healing. To prevent venous stagnation, patients are recommended to wear compression knitted underwear, which restores venous outflow and reduces the load on the network of veins on the left side.
Drug treatment of testicular varicose veins involves:
For this purpose, antioxidants such as grape seed oil, Triovit, Vitamax are used. To restore blood microcirculation, pentoxifylline drugs are prescribed: Agapurin, Trental, Orbiflex. The course of treatment is carried out according to an individual scheme. To stabilize the result, venoprotectors such as Escusan, Detralex, and Ginko biloba are used.
The operation is usually performed on young men to avoid the development of infertility . At an older age, testicular surgery is indicated if the varicocellus reaches the 4th degree and causes serious concern.
Several operating techniques have been developed:
The optimal method is selected by the surgeon, taking into account the characteristics of the disease and the general health of the patient. All methods have a common goal: preventing blood stagnation in the scrotum. To ensure normal blood circulation in the testicles, the damaged vein is removed or ligated, sewing a new one in its place.
After surgery, drug therapy is prescribed for 3 months. If the blood supply to the testicles is not completely restored, venoprotectors and antioxidants are prescribed.
If a man is concerned about the problem of procreation, it is impossible to ignore the signs of beginning varicose veins on the testicles. Timely, qualified assistance will help restore men's health and longevity.
Varicocele is an enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord. The term varicocele is derived from the Latin words meaning dilation and tumor.
The collection of veins in the area of the spermatic cord forms the pampiniform plexus of the scrotum, which expands. This disease is typical for young people aged 14 to 25 years . Left-sided varicocele occurs in half of patients.
This is explained by the peculiarities of the anatomy of this area. The spermatic vein flows into the renal vein on the left at a right angle. Bilateral and right-sided in 30 and 10% of cases, respectively. It is worth noting that the disease is very dangerous, since half of the patients experience infertility.
The most common cause of left-sided testicular varicose veins is compression of the left renal vein in the place between the arteria mesenteica superior and the aortic trunk.
This site is also known as the arterial-artio-mesenteric "tweezers". A characteristic feature of this type of varicocele is the overflow of the pampiniform plexus, which leads to swelling and pain in this area.
Hypertension in the renal vein causes poor functioning of the testicular vein valves. What entails inadequate blood circulation in a given anatomical area.
The body compensates for insufficient blood circulation by creating bypass pathways. An anastomosis of the renal vein with the collar vein is created. Also, primary varicocele can occur due to congenital anomalies.
These include renal vein stenosis, kidney prolapse, and unusual forms of the renal vein. Persistent congenital narrowing of the renal vein is manifested by a persistent increase in pressure in the kidney.
Most often manifested by kidney symptoms , such as the presence of protein and blood in the urine. The disease with this pathology begins in childhood and gradually progresses.
A secondary increase in pressure in the renal vein is formed by a narrowing of the organic nature. This type includes narrowing due to inflammation or injury.
Also, secondary hypertension can develop due to a tumor process in the abdominal cavity or retroperitoneal space. Therefore, it is very important to carefully examine the patient when a varicocele is detected in order to exclude a tumor.
In the vascular system there are specific formations called valves. Valves are folds in the inner wall of the vessel. Their number is 2-3 folds. Due to their specific structure and location, the valves prevent the backflow of blood.
Recently, clinicians at leading clinics have found out that the main thing in the pathogenesis of varicocele is testicular venous insufficiency , and not valvular insufficiency. This means that the cause is congenital or acquired pathologies of the walls and valves. Which leads to their insufficiency.
The clinical picture of varicocele depends on the stage of the disease. In the first stage, practically nothing bothers the patient.
Changes can only be noticed on a spermogram . The spermogram will show changes in the quantity and quality of sperm.
As the disease gradually progresses, symptoms increase. In half of the cases, the patient's varicocele is asymptomatic. In this case, varicocele can only be detected using instrumental methods.
The pain can radiate to the lumbar and groin areas, and the penis. Pain intensifies with exertion.
Changed spermatocytes are accepted by immune cells as foreign. As a result, chronic inflammation develops, which leads to infertility.
Asymptomatic varicose veins of the spermatic cord are most common in patients. Their number accounts for up to half of all patients with these diseases. Many people live with varicocele all their lives and are unaware of their disease.
This is all because varicoceles do not often progress. Varicose veins are most often found during a medical examination. At a more mature age, with the growth of pathological conditions, varicocele can progress. At the same time, causing pain in the scrotum and changes in the spermogram.
Treatment of varicocele is carried out depending on the degree. There are conservative and radical methods.
Because with varicose veins of the spermatic cord, hypoxia is observed, followed by tissue hypotrophy. Doctors recommend anticoagulants and vitamins of groups A, C, E. These groups of vitamins are classified as antioxidant. An example would be Vitamax +C, itriovit, etc.
Trental and petoxifylline are also prescribed to improve microcirculation. Read more about what Trental is prescribed for in our similar article.
Since this disease is characterized by damage to the veins, venoprotectors are prescribed. These include Diosmin, Detralex, Escuazan.
The patient's condition is monitored by ultrasound with Doppler sonography and spermogram.
These include applying a support bandage, wearing tight clothing, and avoiding physical activity.
Today, surgery is the main treatment method for varicocele. If the patient has been ill for no more than 5 years, then after the operation the spermogram indicators improve.
There are 2 main types of surgical interventions:
In most cases, occlusive operations are used.
During these operations, large veins are punctured. Next, a catheter is inserted into the vein, which is used to find the testicular vein and block it with special “plugs” or sclerosing substances.
The Ivanissevich operation is considered the main one for surgical interventions on the spermatic vein. Under anesthesia, an incision of up to five centimeters is made in the left iliac region, then the spermatic vein is found and tied up.
Vessels during laparoscopic surgery are better visualized thanks to optics. However, this operation has not achieved its effectiveness and is used in rare cases. These cases include bilateral and recurrent varicoceles.
During this surgical intervention, the testicle is removed and the testicular vein is visualized and then ligated.
This operation includes the advantages of open access and optical techniques used in laparoscopic varicocelectomy. This operation does not use transperitoneal access, and therefore there are practically no consequences.
This disease is not always taken seriously. After all, it does not directly threaten the patient’s life and is characterized by periodic pain in the groin area. Pain is associated with physical activity.
Is it possible to treat grade 3-4 varicocele without surgery?
No, these degrees should be treated only surgically and only after consulting a urologist or andrologist. If the changes are reversible, then surgery is indicated.
Is it possible to treat varicocele at home?
No impossible. It is possible only if surgical treatment is contraindicated for you and you have a prescription from a urologist.
Are there methods for treating varicocele without surgical or drug interventions?
When treating varicocele, special physical exercises and testicular massage are also used. They are not used without primary treatment (medical or surgical).
The term “varicose veins” can be literally translated from medical language as dilation of the veins caused by increased pressure in them and valve insufficiency. Certain research methods allow one to suspect the development of the disease. What are testicular varicose veins? How to detect the disease and cure it?
The left testicular vein has a special anatomical structure. As the disease develops, varicose veins occur at the intersection with the spermatic cord. The functioning processes of testicular tissue are disrupted, including the sperm-forming function. About 50% of sick men suffer from infertility. The testicular vein on the left connects with the renal vein, and on the right with the inferior vena cava. The angle of their connection is formed on the left side - straight, and on the right - acute. Therefore, testicular varicose veins in men are more often observed on the left side.
The leading factor in the development of the disease is heredity, expressed in congenital underdevelopment of the vein wall. Capillary blood circulation in the testicles is disrupted. Infertility is one of the many possible manifestations of testicular varicose veins. The organ is surrounded by veins filled with blood. The temperature of the tissues in the affected area increases, and a significant disruption of the functions of the diseased organ occurs.
As a rule, a specialist establishes one of four degrees of testicular varicose veins in a patient: the first is the latent stage, in which the veins are detected during a special ultrasound examination; during palpation in the second stage, the veins of the left testicle are palpated in a standing position; the third and fourth degrees of testicular varicose veins are characterized by palpating them in a standing and lying position and visual observation.
As a rule, varicocele affects young men in the puberty phase.
The main cause of the disease is increased physical activity.
In general, dilation of the veins of the left testicle affects up to 20% of young men. In many cases, varicocele does not manifest itself in any way and is discovered during a routine examination. Since the sperm production function is impaired, a man may become infertile. The most common and almost constant companion of varicocele is pain or discomfort in the testicles. Often the disease manifests itself only as infertility. When veins are damaged, the pain intensifies after physical activity. Varicose veins in men are accompanied by pain, pressing or pulling. The scrotum becomes dense and heavy. The intensity of pain is influenced by reasons such as:
A nagging pain does not always occur in the scrotum. Very often it is diffuse, affecting the genital area on the right side of the body.
An ordinary varicocele can not only occur with pain. Its asymptomatic course is one of the variants of the disease. For a long time, a lesion in the testicles does not bother a man. Therefore, if the symptoms of the disease do not appear, the disease will proceed secretly, possibly throughout life.
With age, there is a likelihood of pain in the testicles or scrotum, and the process of spermatogenesis is also disrupted. In children and adolescents with incomplete puberty, experts consider varicocele not a disease, but an external cosmetic defect. Surgical treatment is not performed for grade 1 venous damage. In men, treatment for varicocele begins in the 2nd and 3rd stages of the disease. Adolescents with stage 1 disease are observed by a urologist due to possible cases of self-healing.
Underwear for men made from compression knitwear is the basis for the prevention and treatment of the disease. Wearing swimming trunks made from it allows you to create optimal conditions for restoring venous outflow, reduce the load on the veins of the left testicle, and prevent venous stagnation.
Thanks to the planning commissions of military registration and enlistment offices, asymptomatic forms of the disease are detected in the early stages. If the urologist detects dilation of the veins of the scrotum, surgical treatment is performed without taking into account the function of sperm production. The diagnosis is made based on non-invasive ultrasound examination.
In cases where surgical treatment is inappropriate, and also before the operation, a number of drugs are prescribed to prevent negative effects and create conditions for successful adaptation of the body. Treatment of varicose veins in men includes:
Often a specialist prescribes:
A specialist prescribes pentoxifylline. Treatment with medications that affect microcirculation in tissues is carried out using:
Treatment is prescribed in courses and carried out according to a specific scheme. Venoprotectors are often used as stabilizing agents to prevent further development of varicose veins:
Symptoms of grade 2 and 4 varicocele require surgical intervention. After the operation, the doctor prescribes medication therapy for up to 3 months. In cases where sufficient collateral blood supply has not yet formed in the testicles, antioxidants and venoprotectors are used.
In adult patients, the main method of treatment is surgery, but the symptoms of varicocele do not always prompt the doctor to recommend surgery to the patient. Dull or paroxysmal pain in the testicle that is not relieved with medication, a decrease in the size of the testicle, prompts the urologist to perform surgery. It is not advisable to refuse surgical intervention, because it can be carried out using one of four modern treatment methods. Treatment of varicocele involves ligation of the testicular vein. Sclerotherapy and testicular revascularization are used to treat varicocele.
The Ivanisevich operation is still widely used by practicing doctors, although it is ineffective compared to other types of interventions. After therapy, the number of relapses increases. Modified interventions of the Ivanisevich operation are the Palomo operation and the Marmara intervention.
With endoscopy, there are much fewer complications than with Ivanisevich's operation. Hydrocele of the testicle may appear in the postoperative period. Relapse of the disease often occurs if any branch remains untied. The surgeon pays special attention to the surgical technique to prevent relapse of the disease.
If a man wants to continue his family, he must not ignore the symptoms of varicocele, but immediately seek medical help. High-quality treatment will help him stay healthy.
Varicose veins in the scrotum area are called varicoceles. This disease affects one sixth of the men in our country, and in 80% of cases the veins in the left testicle are affected. With timely consultation with a doctor, testicular varicose veins are completely cured, but ignoring the problem can cause such dangerous consequences as prostate adenoma, impotence, and infertility.
Special valves located inside the veins help blood flow towards the heart. If their functioning deteriorates, some of the blood cannot rise upward and remains in the lower part of the venous vessel, provoking its expansion. Doctors identify several reasons that can negatively affect the functioning of the circulatory system in the scrotum area and cause symptoms of varicose veins on the testicles in men. These include:
A peculiarity of the course of varicocele in men is that the sick person does not know about his illness for a long time, since in the first two stages of varicose veins in the scrotum area there are no symptoms. Early varicocele is often detected during preventive examinations necessary for studying, working in enterprises, or serving in the army. Photos of patients experiencing this stage of the disease indicate a complete absence of external manifestations.
In the first stages of varicocele there are no symptoms.
At the third stage of varicose veins on the testicles, men begin to experience unpleasant symptoms, namely:
Moreover, all symptoms intensify after physical activity, sex, or taking a shower.
The last stage of varicose veins on the testicles is characterized by constant pain in the scrotum area, as well as a decrease and softening of the testicular tissue. The photo clearly shows negative changes in the appearance of the genitals.
Varicocele is not a life-threatening disease. If it is discovered in adulthood or old age, doctors may not perform surgery, but prescribe only supportive therapy. However, for young men, surgical treatment of varicose veins is mandatory, since the consequences of refusing surgical procedures pose a danger to health, potency, and the ability to have children.
Testicles perform two important functions in the male body. They synthesize hormones and produce sperm. Due to the fact that venous blood accumulates in the scrotum area, the functionality of the testicular gland is weakened. This leads to the development of prostatitis, problems with potency, and deterioration in sperm quality, which is the cause of male infertility. A decrease in testosterone levels in the blood causes symptoms such as increased body fat, destruction of muscle mass, increased irritability, and decreased libido.
Treatment of the first stages of varicose veins on the testicles is conservative therapy. It includes the following actions:
Treatment of the first stages is carried out with complex therapy.
Due to the fact that the injured veins are located in the scrotum area, patients need a combination of medications to treat blood vessels, improve testicular function and strengthen general immunity. The name and dosage of the tablets should be prescribed by a qualified specialist based on the results of a diagnostic examination. Self-medication of varicocele often has the most unpleasant consequences, and instead of relieving the health condition, a man can only aggravate the problem and increase the risk of complications.
Treatment of varicose veins in the scrotum area is impossible without the use of medicinal ointments and gels, as well as compresses and lotions related to traditional medicine. Venotonics and venoprotectors improve blood fluidity, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and increase their elasticity. For the treatment to be effective, they must be rubbed into the skin on the testicles with massage movements for 2-3 minutes, 2 times a day for 8-10 weeks. The price of high-quality drugs is 500-700 rubles.
Treatment with traditional medicine includes the use of infusions to thin the blood, as well as the application of compresses and lotions to restore the veins and skin of the scrotum. Baths with the addition of infusions of oak bark, horse chestnut or wormwood are also beneficial for men. However, it should be noted that the water temperature should not exceed 40°. Such procedures smooth out unpleasant symptoms and speed up the treatment of varicocele.
If during a diagnostic examination a congenital anomaly of the genital organs or venous network was identified, then, regardless of the stage of the varicocele, the doctor always decides to perform surgery. After all, only surgical treatment can eliminate the symptoms, restore the functionality of the testicle and give a man a full sex life and the joy of fatherhood.
For congenital anomalies of the genital organs, the only treatment option is surgery.
One of the safest and most gentle surgical techniques is sclerotherapy. This operation is performed under local anesthesia and lasts no more than half an hour. The doctor makes a puncture in the venous wall, inserts a flexible catheter and extends it to the affected area. Then a sclerosant is released into the vessel, which fills all the holes in its wall. This surgical method is highly effective and has a short recovery period.
Treatment of veins for varicose veins in men can also be carried out using ligation. This is the name of the operation in which the surgeon identifies a dangerous dilatation of the vessel, cuts off the deformed part and sews the ends together with a cosmetic suture. The patient is allowed to go home after a few hours, where he continues treatment with medications. After the end of the recovery period, all symptoms of the disease disappear and normal blood flow is restored.
If the expansion of the vessel wall is located deep in the organ, then it is necessary to perform an open access operation. Such surgical procedures have been used to combat varicose veins for a long time. For example, Ivanissevich’s operation was developed 100 years ago and still does not lose its effectiveness
Varicose veins on the scrotum are an insidious disease that has no symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, it is extremely important for both adolescents and adult men to undergo an annual preventive examination and consult a doctor if any unusual sensations appear in the testicular area. Do not self-medicate or diagnose yourself based on a photo in a medical journal. A timely visit to a urology clinic and following all the specialist’s instructions will help you quickly cope with the problem and leave memories of the disease in the past.
Most often, testicular varicose veins (varicocele) are diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. With this disease, varicose veins occur on the spermatic cord, which is attached to the testicle. To eliminate the pathology, the patient most often has to undergo surgery.
In the first stages, a man may not even notice the disease, since nothing bothers him. Gradually, the vein becomes more and more tortuous and deformed, the outflow of blood becomes more difficult, and toxins may be released due to stagnant blood.
Heaviness gradually appears in the scrotum, more often on the left. Then the man can pay attention to the nagging, pressing pain in the groin. The testicles are becoming heavier, they literally pull me to the ground, making it difficult to walk.
If you feel the scrotum with your fingers, you will feel an enlarged vein, tubercles and plexuses of blood vessels. With advanced disease, the symptoms of testicular varicose veins worsen, the pain becomes constant, and the testicle may gradually decrease in size.
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The main reason for the development of the disease is in the structure of the circulatory system that supplies the testicles. Blood enters the left testicle not directly through a vein, but through the kidney. In the same way, the outflow of venous blood occurs. Since the blood vessels on the left can be pinched by the intestines, stagnation of venous blood develops.
In addition, there are other provoking factors leading to varicose veins in the groin:
It is because of the anatomical features that varicose veins of the left testicle often develop . On the right side, blood flows out through the inferior vein. Therefore, medical statistics indicate only 1% for varicose veins of the right vein; damage to both testicles occurs in 25-30% of cases. All other pathologies occur in the left testicle.
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It is believed that it is impossible to eliminate pathology with the help of medications. Taking some medications can only stop the disease from getting worse. Most often, surgery is performed to help restore normal blood flow.
If a man does not feel pain, varicose veins do not cause him pain and do not affect the functioning of the prostate, the urologist may prescribe the following medications:
If a man is interested in procreation and does not want to remain infertile, radical treatment is indicated - testicular varicose veins are eliminated through surgery.
The urologist, examining the patient, can already determine by palpation that the vein in the testicle is dilated. A special physical examination is carried out in two positions: first, the man is standing, and then he is asked to lie down. This palpation method allows you to differentiate testicular varicose veins from a tumor or cystic formation.
After a preliminary diagnosis is made, the patient undergoes an in-depth examination. An ultrasound with Doppler is required. This device helps to determine how normal the blood flow in the scrotum is and to determine the speed of movement of venous and arterial blood.
If a man wants to check his fertility, he has to take a spermogram. With testicular varicose veins, spermatogenesis is disrupted, sperm mature, but at the end they are not viable and have defects.
Some experts note that after long-term use of drugs to improve sperm quality, the volume of ejaculate increased, but it still contained too many dead sperm or live sperm with a pathological structure.
Therefore, only surgery for testicular varicose veins can guarantee that a man will be able to become a father in the future . There are several types of surgical intervention:
Varicose veins are removed through an incision in the iliac region. The testicular vein is isolated, ligated, and excised. The operation lasts 14-16 minutes. It is characterized by a long recovery period, since a lot of tissue is damaged during the intervention.
Most often performed in children and adolescents with identified varicocele. During this operation, muscle tissue is also cut. The dilated vein is isolated, clamped, and ligatures are applied. Not only the venous vessel is crossed, but also the arterial one.
All manipulations are performed through three incisions in the peritoneum. A thin cable with a camera is inserted into one of the incisions. Others contain medical instruments. Based on the image displayed on the computer, the surgeon clamps the vein and excises it without removing it. The only drawback of this type of elimination of testicular varicose veins in men is that the operation is performed under full anesthesia.
Local anesthesia is used for the operation. The doctor performs the operation wearing special microsurgical glasses, and sometimes a microscope is used. To gain access to the surgical field, the skin is cut at the root of the scrotum. Ligatures are applied not only to large veins and arteries, but also to small vessels. All pathologically dilated vessels are suppressed.
The fastest and most convenient method for recovery is microsurgical. It allows for a minimal reduction in postoperative recovery time, and the patient does not need to be exposed to the negative effects of anesthesia. Why do doctors still use operations with an incision in the abdominal cavity and laparoscopy? The reason is the lack of high-level microsurgeons capable of performing such delicate manipulations.
Is it possible to treat testicular varicose veins without surgery?
What can varicose veins of the testicles lead to? If treatment is not carried out, a whole cluster of dilated vessels grows in a man’s scrotum. In this case, the man experiences the following complications:
The main negative consequence of testicular varicose veins is infertility. The inflammatory process can be stopped by taking an antibiotic, but nothing can restore the testicle if it decreases in size and cannot perform its function.
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Among the most common diseases that urologists have to treat, testicular varicose veins in men can be highlighted. The disease itself is not dangerous to the life or health of the patient, but against its background, a complication in the form of infertility may arise. In addition, the pain that occurs in some cases may also be a cause for concern.
Varicose veins in men are not uncommon; every year the number of patients with this diagnosis is growing, and according to doctors’ forecasts, it will continue to increase. Varicose veins of the testicles and spermatic cord are called varicoceles and can occur in men, boys and young men of any age.
In studies using radiography, it was found that varicose veins of the testicles occur to one degree or another in 35% of the stronger sex. At the same time, the peak incidence occurs during puberty.
Most often, varicose veins occur in the left testicle, since the location of the veins in it predisposes to the development of the disease.
The vascular network in the testicles is an interweaving of small veins that entwine the testicles. Varicose veins usually occur at the beginning of the spermatic cord. Often in men in adulthood, this disease is combined with other manifestations of varicose veins, in particular with pathology of the legs and hemorrhoids.
With varicose veins, the veins dilate due to the fact that the valves in them completely or partially lose their function. They must regulate blood flow, ensuring one direction of its movement. Due to the fact that the valves are weakened, blood moves in the opposite direction, which causes stagnation in some areas of the veins and their expansion.
Varicocele has been studied since ancient times, but the clear reasons for its development have not yet been established. Now there are two main factors that give rise to varicose veins of the testicles. Firstly, heredity may play a role in the form of insufficiency of the venous system or connective tissue pathology. Secondly, the pressure often placed on the pelvic organs can also cause the disease.
However, only in the presence of hereditary characteristics or frequent mechanical impact, varicocele rarely forms. In most cases, there are provoking factors, without whose influence the disease could not have developed. These include the following reasons:
Also, the development of the disease can be affected by bad habits, excessive physical activity, irrational distribution of time between work and rest, etc. In addition, the appearance of varicocele can be affected by wearing underwear that is too tight, since it compresses the blood vessels.
In most cases, in the initial stages of the disease, symptoms do not appear, and the man is unaware of the development of pathology. In some cases, patients mentioned the presence of a pulling sensation in the groin area, which intensified with physical activity or sexual arousal, and disappeared when lying down.
Most often, varicocele in the early stages of development is discovered during a routine examination by a urologist or during the treatment of other diseases. In adolescents, testicular varicose veins are often diagnosed during a medical examination at the military registration and enlistment office before serving in the army.
Often, even if a man has a varicocele, his symptoms do not manifest themselves throughout his life, and the patient’s quality of life does not decrease. However, with the further development of the disease, discomfort and a pulling sensation in the groin are clearly felt.
Added to this are other symptoms:
In addition, as the disease progresses, characteristic signs of varicocele may appear: first, dilated veins on the testicles in men can be felt by palpation, and in later stages they can be seen with the naked eye.
Nonspecific symptoms may also be observed, for example, itching, urinary incontinence, general weakness of the body, increased fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, depression, etc.
A man who notices alarming symptoms and discomfort in the genitourinary system should, in any case, initially consult a urologist.
The doctor conducts a survey and visual examination of the patient in a lying and standing position, which allows identifying varicose veins of the scrotum in some cases.
To obtain a more reliable picture, the specialist performs a Valsalva maneuver: the patient needs to stand up and tense his abdominal muscles, this creates strong pressure on the testicles and the pathology, if any, becomes visible.
In the initial stages of the disease, such methods will not be enough - the doctor will not detect dilated vessels, because they simply have not yet manifested themselves. In this case, laboratory tests of blood and urine, as well as a spermogram, are prescribed. Additionally, an analysis may be prescribed to determine the level of male hormones.
The main instrumental diagnostic method is testicular ultrasound, often combined with Doppler ultrasound - ultrasound examination, aimed at identifying the characteristics of blood flow in the area under study.
Ultrasound data is usually sufficient to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. Veins can expand not alone, but in combination with other pathologies of the genitourinary system. To determine whether they occur, urography may be prescribed - an x-ray with preliminary administration of a contrast agent.
If varicose veins of the testicles are detected in men, the doctor needs to determine the stage of development of the disease. If it is asymptomatic or does not pose a threat to the health and reproductive function of the patient, measures may be prescribed to maintain optimal body condition to prevent the development of the disease.
In later stages, surgical intervention is required, which is the only effective method against varicocele.
Regardless of the advanced stage of the disease, drug therapy is prescribed to all patients. If varicose veins on the testicles are not pronounced and do not cause discomfort to the patient, medications help restore the natural state of the veins and blood circulation in general.
If the disease is advanced and surgery is required, medications help prepare for surgery and recover after it. The following medications may be prescribed:
In addition, the manifestations of male varicose veins can be treated with massage, physiotherapy, gymnastics and wearing specialized compression garments. To keep the body in good shape, a urologist may recommend:
These methods will not cure male varicose veins in the testicles, but will help reduce the severity of symptoms in the later stages of the disease, prevent complications and improve the patient’s overall well-being.
After consultation with a doctor, you can also use traditional medicine methods to eliminate discomfort and pain in the groin area.
You can completely get rid of varicose veins only through surgery. To date, there are no medications or procedures that can completely eliminate the disease. However, surgical treatment is not always prescribed; this occurs in the following cases:
Previously, surgery for varicocele was prescribed in any case, but today it can be avoided if there is no danger to the patient’s health.
In the case of children and adolescents, some doctors strongly recommend surgical intervention even in the initial stages of the disease, while others suggest trying conservative treatment methods first.
There are several types of surgeries that can be performed to treat testicular varicose veins in men.
This is the oldest and easiest way to get rid of the disease. A fairly long incision is made in the iliac region through which the spermatic cord is tied. P.
Erevyazka can occur according to the methods of Ivanissevich, Kondakov, Palomo or Bernardi. Open surgery is characterized by a long rehabilitation period and the possibility of complications.
Endoscopic instruments and a camera are introduced through small incisions into the affected area. The surgeon controls the entire process on the device’s monitor.
Laparoscopy leaves small scars, which can subsequently become completely invisible. This is the safest method to date.
Microsurgical operation. As with laparoscopy, the microsurgical method involves a small puncture. The operation is performed using a surgical microscope.
With this effect, the vein is not removed, and the spermatic cord is not ligated. A sclerosing substance is injected into the affected vessel, which returns the vein to its natural width, as if “gluing” it together.
The method of operation is determined by the doctor, based on the individual characteristics of the body and the neglect of the situation in each specific case. More gentle methods are usually used to treat varicocele in children and adolescents.