Risk factors for varicoceles

Varicoceles affect a lot of males and people born male. One out of every five men has varicoceles. You have an increased chance of having varicoceles on the left side of your scrotum compared to the right side or both sides.

Even though the causes of varicoceles are not fully known, some risk factors believed to cause varicocele include:

Damaged valves: Valves in your testicles transport blood to your heart. In case these valves do not function correctly, the blood tends to pool in your veins, thus creating varicocele.

Genetics: Studies show that varicocele tends to affect members of the same family, meaning it is hereditary.

Hormonal imbalance: Hormone imbalance, especially during puberty, is one factor believed to be involved since hormonal imbalances make the veins of your testicles widen.

Prolonged standing: Sitting or standing for prolonged periods may put too much pressure in the veins in your scrotum, thus making them dilated and contributing to varicocele.

Some outside factors that may cause varicoceles include kidney conditions, tumors, and physical damage that hampers proper blood flow in the scrotum.

Complications of varicoceles

Most varicoceles will resolve themselves with adequate treatment. Large varicoceles could lead to complications like low testosterone and infertility.

Low testosterone could result in shrinking of the size of the testicles, decreased libido, depression, and reduced muscle mass.

Symptoms of varicoceles

Many patients suffering from varicoceles do not experience any symptoms, especially those who suffer from mild varicoceles. In case there are some symptoms, the following can apply:

Pain or discomfort in the region

Enlargement of the scrotum due to swelling

Throbbing or aching in the scrotum

Infertility

In many cases, varicoceles do not come with symptoms and can only be found incidentally while being examined physically. Contact your provider for any suspicion that you have a varicocele or are experiencing symptoms in the scrotum area.

Diagnosis of varicoceles

The process of diagnosing varicoceles involves a physical examination and taking into account a patient's health history and his/her complaints. During the physical exam, the physician examines your scrotum.

Other tests used to diagnose varicoceles could include:

Blood test: This test involves examining hormone levels, particularly testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), which affect the process of sexual development in young patients.

Seminal fluid examination: A seminal fluid analysis may be prescribed to determine the condition of sperm and whether a varicocele affects the patient's fertility.

Grading of a varicocele

Doctors use a certain rating scale to assess the severity and size of varicoceles.

Grade 0: In this case, varicoceles are detected by ultrasound but cannot be felt.

Grade I: Varicoceles are felt in the scrotum during a Valsalva maneuver. It means that the patient stands upright, inhales deeply, holds his nose and mouth shut, and tries to exhale forcefully.

Grade II: Varicoceles can be palpated without performing a Valsalva maneuver.

Grade III: Varicoceles are easily detected and palpated.

Doctors offer different treatment approaches based on the severity (grade) of your varicocele. When it comes to milder cases, a doctor may prescribe some at-home remedies, including ice packs, changing your lifestyle habits, or using over-the-counter drugs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, for alleviating pain caused by varicoceles.

Are varicoceles dangerous?

Varicoceles are not considered to be life-threatening conditions. However, if you want to conceive biologically, then a varicocele is a very dangerous condition.

Can varicoceles impair your fertility?

Yes, varicoceles can impair fertility. In up to 40% of cases of male infertility, varicoceles can cause fertility problems. At the same time, many men with varicoceles do not experience any problems with conception.

The mechanisms behind varicoceles as causes of fertility impairments remain unclear for medical professionals. Perhaps the problem is related to an increased body temperature caused by blood accumulation in the veins. An elevated body temperature can lead to reduced amounts of semen produced.

Consult a doctor in case you suspect infertility issues. Infertility is the primary reason for which patients seek treatment for varicoceles.

How common are varicoceles?

About 15%-20% of all American men suffer from varicoceles, that is, 1 out of 5 people. Usually, varicoceles are found in the left half of the scrotum due to the peculiarities of blood flow from the left testicle. In some cases, varicoceles appear either in the right part of the scrotum or in both parts.