Patient's question:
What should a man do if he has varicocele? I am not married yet, but I have a girlfriend and engage in sexual activity. Recently, I've been feeling discomfort in my testicles after sex. I searched online for self-diagnostic information on varicocele, and found that my symptoms match, although they are not severe. So I want to ask if I have varicocele, what are the symptoms, what should I do now, and will it affect my fertility in the future? Do I need to go to the hospital?Doctor's answer:
Varicocele is a common condition in young and middle-aged men, most of whom exhibit localized discomfort and a sense of heaviness. The pain can radiate to the lower abdomen, groin, and back. Symptoms may alleviate after walking or exertion, and they can be reduced or relieved after rest or lying flat. Varicocele is one of the most common scrotal masses in young adults and is also a significant cause of male infertility. In patients with varicocele, sperm count increases, which interferes with conception. After surgical treatment, fertility can be fully restored. Varicocele can be relieved, but the treatment period is generally long, and the condition is prone to recurrence after treatment. Therefore, medication should be used symptomatically during treatment.