Symptoms of varicocele can be very uncomfortable. You may feel an ache in the scrotum area. This can be dull or sharp and can be on one side of your scrotum or both sides. You may also feel a heavy sensation. This can be aggravated by standing for a long period of time or lifting heavy weights.
If you are experiencing symptoms of varicocele, you may want to talk to a health care provider. You may also want to take tests to rule out other causes of your scrotal swelling. This may include a pelvic Doppler ultrasound, a semen analysis, or a pelvic ultrasound. These tests will help your doctor determine if you are experiencing any problems with fertility.
In most cases, varicocele symptoms don’t have a serious effect on your health. However, they can cause sperm production to suffer. This can be a major concern for men who are trying to conceive a child.
Men may be able to correct fertility issues through varicocele surgery. A surgeon can make the correction through a small incision in the scrotum. This surgery will improve the flow of sperm. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis, but will require two weeks of recovery time. The surgery can be done either through an open procedure or through a laparoscopic procedure.
The surgery will remove any excess tissue from inside the scrotum. It will also seal off any abnormal vessel connections with heat-activated clamps. This will improve the flow of blood and sperm and help to return your sperm to normal numbers. You can expect to be back at work within two weeks of surgery.
In addition to infertility, varicocele can also cause pain in the scrotum area. In addition, it can lead to testicular shrinkage. The testicle on the varicocele side is smaller than the testicle on the non-varicocele side. This can cause pain in the area and make it harder for sperm to move. If a man has varicocele, he can also experience a low-grade fever. Symptoms can also worsen during hot weather. If you are experiencing symptoms of varicocele, it is important to consult a health care provider as soon as possible.
A radiologist will look for varicocele by performing a physical exam. The doctor will inspect the scrotum to check for swelling and dilated veins. They will also try to feel the varicocele. If you are unable to feel the varicocele, the doctor may still be able to diagnose the problem by using X-rays.
The doctor will also perform a test to rule out other problems with your fertility. This may include a pelvic Doppler, a semen analysis, or follicle-stimulating hormone tests. These tests will determine if your fertility problems are due to low testosterone levels or high follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Alternatively, they may rule out other problems with your fertility, such as a tumor near your spermatic vein.
If your health care provider has determined that you are experiencing varicocele symptoms, you may need to undergo surgery. This is done through a procedure called varicocele embolization. It is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. The doctor will insert a tube into your body and place coils in the affected vein. This is usually a successful procedure that is performed on about 90 percent of patients.