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Specialised Centre For Varicocele Treatment

varicocele

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds the testicles (scrotum). Blood pools in the veins rather than circulating efficiently out of the scrotum.

A varicocele usually occurs on the left side of the scrotum and often produces no signs or symptoms. Possible signs and symptoms may include:

  • Pain. A dull, aching pain or discomfort likely when standing or late in the day.
  • A mass in the scrotum. a mass like a "bag of worms" may be visible above the testicle.
  • Differently sized testicles.
  • Infertility

Proper clinical examination and Ultrasonogram of scrotum-venous Doppler.

Grading of varicocele
Grade I
  • no dilated intrascrotal veins
  • reflux in spermatic cord veins of the inguinal region during Valsalva manoeuvre
Grade II
  • prominent veins at upper pole of testis
  • reflux at upper pole veins during Valsalva manoeuvre
Grade III
  • no major dilatation in supine position
  • dilated veins up to lower pole of testis seen only in standing position
  • reflux at lower pole veins during Valsalva manoeuvre
Grade IV
  • dilated veins even in supine position
  • reflux during Valsalva manoeuvre
Grade V
  • dilated veins
  • reflux without Valsalva manoeuvre
Treatment

A varicocele often doesn't need to be treated. For a man experiencing infertility, surgery to correct the varicocele may be a part of the fertility treatment plan. Surgery might be recommended in the following situations:

  • A testicle that shows delayed development
  • Low sperm count or other sperm irregularities (usually only tested in adults)
  • Chronic pain not managed by pain medication