Patient's question:
Hello, I have varicocele, and I want to consult about this disease. How should varicocele be treated for the best outcome?Doctor's answer:
1. Semen analysis: It is evident that there is an increase in sperm count, a decrease in sperm motility, and a continuous increase in the number of immature and acrosome-negative sperm. If a testicular biopsy is performed, it will reveal impaired spermatogenesis.2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It can confirm testicular blood flow and measure testicular volume.
3. Spermatic vein angiography: A catheter is inserted via the femoral vein into the spermatic vein, and contrast dye is infused. Careful observation is made of the extent of contrast dye reflux. Mild reflux is when the contrast dye refluxes to a length of 5 cm in the spermatic veins; moderate reflux occurs when it refluxes to the L1–5 level; and severe reflux is when it reaches the scrotum.
For the treatment of this condition, asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic individuals may wear elastic pants or use a scrotal support. Men with more severe symptoms and infertility due to varicocele accompanied by abnormal sperm parameters should undergo surgical treatment.