Patient's question:
Recently, I've been experiencing persistent or intermittent dull, aching, and dull pain in the scrotum, which can radiate to the lower abdomen. After examination, it was found to be varicocele. How is varicocele treated? How is varicocele treated?Doctor's answer:
Varicocele is classified into three degrees. In mild cases, the dilated veins are not palpable locally, and only discomfort is felt. In moderate cases, the dilated veins can be palpated when standing, but they are not visible externally. In severe cases, dilated veins in the scrotum appear as worm-like or clustered formations.The treatment for varicocele varies by degree. Mild cases can be managed conservatively, including rest, wearing tight underwear, increasing physical activity, and appropriately using blood-activating medications. However, moderate to severe cases, or those accompanied by infertility or abnormal semen, require surgical intervention. This is because varicocele obstructs blood (retrograde flow), leading to impaired blood circulation in the testes, which disrupts their normal sperm production and excretion functions.