Many men often don’t know that they have a varicocele until they get an evaluation for infertility. Varicocele is basically a varicose vein in the testicle or scrotum and is among the most common causes of male infertility. Studies have confirmed a link between the dysfunctional veins of a varicocele and infertility.
Varicoceles are very common. In fact, they are the most common cause for male factor infertility, accounting for up to 40% of cases. However, they are found in nearly 16-17% of all men. Although they do not cause a health risk, they can result in deterioration of fertility over time, in addition to the pain episodes.
A varicocele might result in low sperm production, poor testicles development, or other problems that may eventually cause infertility. The good news is that there are treatment options such as surgery which may be recommended to address these complications. So, how does a varicocele cause infertility? But before that…
What is a Varicocele?
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins, known as the pampiniform plexus, in the scrotum. One theory of explaining varicoceles is that the valves in the spermatic cords’ veins, which carry blood from the testicles, stop working efficiently.
Why this happens is not entirely clear. However, these valves should always allow blood to flow toward the heart. Faulty valves can disrupt the blood flow and the blood pools rather than moving smoothly on. Eventually, this build-up of blood might cause the vessels to dilate.
Most people having a varicocele usually experience no symptoms at all. While some might experience mild discomfort during certain activities, it doesn’t result in serious or long-term health problems.
Many men having varicocele, can be young and living in a hot country.
The Link Between Varicocele and Infertility
It has been suggested that varicocele -mediated infertility is not caused by a single factor but is the result of the synergy of genetic and other molecular factors, such as hypoxia, oxidative stress, and nutrient deprivation.
There is an association between varicoceles and developing infertility. Reduced sperm count, decreased sperm motility, and increased the number of deformed sperm are all related to varicoceles. Experts believe that varicoceles result in infertility by raising the temperature in the scrotum and decreasing the production of sperm.
A recent meta-analysis of previous studies has found evidence that treating a varicocele might improve fertility, especially if the cause is unknown.
How to Reverse Varicocele -mediated Infertility?
A varicocele often doesn’t need to be treated. For a man having infertility, surgery to correct the varicocele might be a part of the treatment plan.
The aims of varicocele repair are to alleviate pain in symptomatic cases and to improve testicular function, semen parameters, and pregnancy rates in couples with male infertility accompanying varicocele.
Varicoceles can be reversed through surgical procedures or a minimally invasive treatment option. These treatments are designed to reduce the pressure in the varicose veins which form the varicocele. Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure in which the veins causing the varicocele are tied off, which can alleviate the varicocele and improve fertility or semen quality for in vitro fertilization.
The good news is that your diagnosis of male infertility due to varicocele doesn’t always mean you will never be a father. Today, there are treatment options that are available to reverse varicoceles and may increase your chances of conception. Treatment is usually quick and effective in dealing with the challenges of varicocele-mediated male infertility.
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