Patient's question:
Recently, I've been experiencing persistent or intermittent dull, aching, and throbbing pain in the scrotum, which can radiate to the lower abdomen. After examination, it was found to be varicocele. What are the potential harms of varicocele?Doctor's answer:
The hazards of varicocele include: affecting male fertility. According to medical summaries, approximately two-thirds of men with varicocele experience recurrent abnormal semen, leading to an increase in sperm count, reduced motility, and a higher rate of abnormal sperm, which can result in infertility. It can also cause local discomfort. This manifests as a heavy and pulling sensation in the scrotum, particularly noticeable when standing or moving, and can be alleviated when lying down. Additionally, it may lead to neurosis due to the patient's worries and anxiety, causing emotional disturbances, fatigue, and neurosis. It can also result in sexual dysfunction.