Patient's question:
Married for many years, but infertile. The examination revealed varicocele as the cause. How can varicocele be relieved?Doctor's answer:
Varicocele refers to the tortuous and dilated veins in the spermatic cord due to impaired venous return.Severe varicocele can cause pathological changes in the testes, affecting spermatogenesis, leading to decreased sperm motility, immature sperm morphology, and an increased number of acrosome-negative sperm. This can impair fertility.
Guidelines:
1. Avoid overexertion; excessive strain can worsen the condition.
2. Avoid cold foods and exposure to cold.
3. Treatment must be based on the severity of the condition. For mild symptoms, a scrotal support band can elevate the scrotum, resolving the symptoms. Alternatively, a scrotal harness, tight underwear, or a Tympanol scrotal support pant can be used. Medical treatment only alleviates symptoms. Severe cases often cause a sensation of heaviness and fullness, and may require high ligation of the internal spermatic vein. Surgical treatment is the definitive approach. Currently, surgery is highly successful, and minimally invasive procedures are also available, with less trauma.