Varicocele disease is one of the common problems that affects more than 15% of men worldwide, and may affect an individual’s ability to reproduce due to the low quality of sperm produced by the testicle, in addition to a group of other factors. What is varicocele?
What is varicocele?
Varicocele, known in English as varicocele, is one of the common disorders that occurs when the veins in the testicular sac expand, which are responsible for carrying non-oxygenated blood from the testicle to the heart and lungs for purification.
Varicocele may affect the quality and number of sperm produced, and it is also associated with about 40% of cases of and Signs of infertility in malesTherefore, it is recommended to conduct periodic examination for early detection and treatment of any health problem.
What are the causes of varicocele?
We cannot yet say with certainty the main causes of varicocele, but many studies indicate that a defect in the valves of the seminal veins that carry blood from the testicle to the heart is the common factor in most cases of varicocele.
Blood does not flow properly as a result of a defect in these valves, and thus blood accumulates inside and the seminal veins expand, which usually appear in most cases on the left side of the testicle.
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Risk factors that lead to varicocele
There are a group of factors that increase the likelihood of varicocele occurring, including the following:
- Age: Varicocele occurs more frequently in teenagers and young men between the ages of 15-25 and often appears during adulthood.
- Genetics: The probability of developing a varicocele increases when there is a family history of the disease.
- Testicle growth: Varicocele occurs most commonly during periods of rapid testicular growth, usually during adulthood when the testicle enlarges.
- Wrong lifestyle patterns: especially when lying down, sitting or standing for long periods.
- السمنةObesity mainly increases the likelihood of varicocele.
What are the symptoms of varicocele?
Symptoms of varicocele vary from one individual to another, and include the following:
- Frequent pain in the testicle or testicles.
- A feeling of heaviness or pulling in the scrotum.
- Dilated veins in the scrotum can be felt.
- Discomfort in the testicle or that side of the scrotum in particular.
- The testicle appears smaller on the side with dilated veins due to differences in blood flow.
Can varicocele be avoided?
It is not possible to prevent the occurrence of varicocele definitively, because we do not fully know the causes of its occurrence, but there are a group of interventions that may reduce its annoying symptoms, such as:
- Wear soft clothing or socks for varicose veins.
- Taking analgesic medications.
In addition to the above, there are a set of behaviors and tips that must be followed to avoid the occurrence of varicose veins, including the following:
- Exercising regularly: Exercise helps stimulate blood circulation and reduce the symptoms of varicocele.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects: Lifting heavy weights incorrectly may increase pressure on the varicose veins area, which affects the severity of symptoms.
- Healthy diet: Make sure to eat a balanced and integrated diet that contains fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which improves overall health, reduces inflammation, and thus alleviates the symptoms of varicocele.
There is no doubt that visiting a doctor when feeling any symptom may contribute to solving the problem early by knowing the accurate diagnosis and its causes, and developing the appropriate treatment program.
How can varicocele be diagnosed?
In diagnosing varicocele, the doctor relies on a set of steps and tools, such as:
- Clinical examination: The doctor conducts a visual clinical examination to examine the condition, evaluate the condition of the testicle, and initially identify the extent of the problem to determine the appropriate treatment program for it.
- Ultrasound imaging: The doctor uses ultrasound imaging to determine the location of the varicocele, to make it easier for him to develop the appropriate treatment program and how to intervene.
In conclusion, varicocele was never an annoying problem for many people in its beginning, especially because it does not cause any pain, but if it is neglected, it may lead to infertility and difficulty conceiving due to the lack of high-quality sperm capable of fertilization. Make sure to visit a doctor once every 6 months, to conduct a regular examination and ensure that there are no health problems. We also advise you to perform a self-examination and ensure the integrity of the testicle and the absence of any strange symptoms.
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