Varicocele

If you suspect you have a varicocele or are experiencing symptoms such as scrotal pain, discomfort, or swelling, you should see your GP in the first instance.

Your GP may be able to carry out a physical examination and may be able to refer you for a testicular ultrasound however there is no provision for this service on the NHS for fertility reasons alone.

Therefore, most men have to source a scan privately or it will be requested through a urologist / andrologist.

At testhim we have teamed up with ultrasound direct to allow men to access testicular scanning services at various sites across the UK for a quick, easy and affordable scan. These are available via our store.

If you suspect you have a varicocele or are experiencing symptoms such as scrotal pain, discomfort, or swelling, you should see your GP in the first instance.

You may also want to consider seeing a Urologist or Andrologist for further assessments.

Urologists specialise in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including varicoceles and may offer surgical solutions to varicocele. They will also be able to offer further diagnostics such as sperm DNA fragmentation testing.

If you’re considering a varicocele embolisation then you will need to see an interventional radiologist. This is a medical doctor who specialises in performing minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans, to diagnose and treat various conditions.

Varicocele treatment, particularly surgical procedures such as varicocelectomy, can involve some discomfort or pain during the recovery period. The extent of discomfort can vary depending on factors such as the type of procedure performed, individual pain tolerance, and the presence of any complications.

Minimally invasive procedures such as varicocele embolisation may involve less pain and a shorter recovery period compared to traditional surgical approaches. However, some patients may still experience mild discomfort or soreness following the procedure.

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While varicocele treatment has been shown to improve fertility outcomes in some cases, it does not guarantee success for every individual. The impact of varicocele treatment on fertility depends on various factors, including the severity of the varicocele, the presence of other infertility factors, and individual characteristics such as age and overall health.

Studies have suggested that varicocele repair may lead to improvements in sperm parameters, such as sperm count, motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation, as well as pregnancy rates in couples experiencing infertility due to varicoceles. However, the degree of improvement and the likelihood of achieving pregnancy vary from person to person.

It's important to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of varicocele treatment and to understand that success cannot be guaranteed, and it will take several months for your sperm health to improve.

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It's essential to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider, typically a urologist or fertility specialist, who can assess your specific situation, discuss treatment options, and provide personalised recommendations based on your individual situation.

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Varicoceles can be treated through various approaches, depending on factors such as the severity of symptoms, impact on fertility, level of DNA fragmentation and the overall fertility history.

Lifestyle changes including wearing supportive underwear such as cool beans underwear, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and practicing scrotal elevation whilst lying down (again with cool beans underwear) may help alleviate symptoms and improve blood flow in the affected veins.

Medical / surgical interventions could include varicocelectomy or embolisation.

Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure performed to ligate (tie off) or remove the affected veins, thus redirecting blood flow away from the varicocele. This procedure can be performed using various techniques, including open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or microsurgery.

Varicocele embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted into a vein in the groin or neck, and a contrast dye is injected to highlight the varicocele. Embolisation material, such as coils or sclerosing agents, are then inserted to block off the varicocele, redirecting blood flow and reducing symptoms.

The choice of treatment depends on individual factors such as the severity of symptoms, impact on fertility, and personal preferences. A healthcare provider, typically a urologist or fertility specialist, can evaluate the specific circumstances and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Men with varicoceles may benefit from undergoing a sperm DNA fragmentation test, especially if they are experiencing infertility or have concerns about their fertility. Varicoceles are known to contribute to sperm DNA damage, and assessing DNA fragmentation can provide valuable insights into the severity of the condition and its potential impact on fertility outcomes. By identifying elevated levels of DNA fragmentation, individuals and their healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment options and interventions to improve sperm quality and enhance fertility potential. Therefore, considering a sperm DNA fragmentation test alongside the evaluation of varicoceles can be beneficial for comprehensive fertility assessment and management.