A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein you might see in your leg. Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility. However, not all varicoceles affect sperm production. Varicoceles can also cause testicles to fail to develop normally or shrink.

Can a man with varicocele get a woman pregnant?

Here's the good news: varicocele infertility is treatable, and it's possible for a couple to become pregnant after treatment. After varicocele surgery, varicoceles may recur in about 10% of men and up to 30-50% of couples will become pregnant.

Can a varicocele cause permanent infertility?

Varicocele and progressive reduction of fertility

The hypothesis that varicocele progressively affects testicular function in adult men is based on the observation that the condition is more frequent in infertile men, especially in those with secondary infertility^39,40.

How common is infertility with varicocele?

Summary. Varicoceles are identified in 35-40 percent of men with primary infertility and 81 percent of men with secondary infertility (men who were able to father a child in the past). Studies have shown that varicocele causes progressive duration-dependent injury to the seminiferous epithelium.

Does varicocele reduce fertility?

The main concern with varicoceles is that the bulge of veins may damage sperm and lower sperm count. In those individuals with an average sperm count, a varicocele is unlikely to cause infertility.

Can Varicocele cause Infertility? - Dr. Vasan S S

26 related questions found

Does varicocele affect sperm quality?

A varicocele is a common cause of male infertility, and can lead to low sperm production and decreased motility and quality. Similar to a varicose vein in the legs, blood pools within veins in the scrotum, resulting in swelling and dilation.

Can varicocele be treated naturally?

Wearing tighter fitting underwear (like spandex) or a jockstrap can ease symptoms due to exercise or long periods of standing. Ice: Applying cold packs to the scrotum may help you feel better.

Can varicocele cause permanent damage?

Varicoceles may cause any of the following: testicular damage, infertility, decreased testosterone, pain, cosmetic embarrassment . Varicoceles may cause damage to the testicles; they may not grow appropriately. This damage is progressive, it will often worsening over time.

What happens if varicocele is left untreated?

Left untreated, they can cause testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles). There is also a strong association between varicoceles and male infertility. Varicoceles have been linked with decreases in sperm count and motility and increases in the number of deformed and ineffective sperm.

Can a Grade 1 varicocele cause infertility?

Even men with grade 1 varicocele have a sperm count about 20% lower than men without the condition. "Many of the men with varicocele — about 55% — had semen quality that would indicate a risk of increased time to pregnancy or even infertility," Dr Joensen reported.

How long after varicocele surgery can I get pregnant?

Duration and severity of varicocele may be a risk factor for infertility related with age in patients with varicocele (7). The mean time for semen improvement and spontaneous pregnancy after surgery is approximately five to seven months, respectively (8).

How can I reverse my varicocele?

Varicoceles can be reversed through both surgical procedures and a nonsurgical treatment option. These treatments are designed to decrease the pressure in the varicose veins that make up the varicocele. Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure that involves tying off the veins that are causing the varicocele.

Do varicoceles get worse over time?

Symptoms of varicoceles

Varicoceles sometimes enlarge over time and this usually makes them more noticeable. In some men, varicoceles cause pain. This pain can vary from sharp to dull. Usually, it gets worse over the course of a day.

Is healthy sperm thick or runny?

Normally, semen is a thick, whitish liquid. However, several conditions can change the color and consistency of semen. Watery semen can be a sign of low sperm count, indicating possible fertility problems.

Does varicocele cause premature?

... 35 Some studies have reported premature ejaculation to be significantly associated with varicocele (29.2% vs 24.9% in subjects with or without varicocele, respectively; P < 0.05).

Should I worry about varicocele?

Are varicoceles dangerous? Varicoceles are not life threatening, but rarely they can be associated with dangerous conditions. For example, if a varicocele forms on the right side and not the left, it is important to make sure there is no mass or other abnormality in the abdomen that might be causing it.

Can varicocele be cured completely?

The good news is that varicoceles are treatable. Dozens of reports have been published demonstrating the benefit of varicocele surgery to improve sperm counts. Yet, varicocele repair remains controversial, particularly for small varicoceles that cannot be seen or felt on a physical exam.

Should I fix my varicocele?

Varicocele treatment might not be necessary. Many men with varicoceles are able to father a child without any treatment. However, if your varicocele causes pain, testicular atrophy or infertility or if you are considering assisted reproductive techniques, you might want to undergo varicocele repair.

Did you get pregnant after varicocele surgery?

Percentage of spontaneous pregnancy in 1 year after varicocele treatment was 32 to 41% of cases. Conclusion. Varicocelectomy significantly improved sperm motility, concentration, and testicular volume. There were 32 to 41% of infertile patients who achieved pregnancy spontaneously.

What is the main cause of varicocele?

Varicocele Causes

Varicoceles are believed to be caused by defective valves in the veins within the scrotum, just above the testicles. Normally, these valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the testicles. When normal flow doesn't occur, the blood backs up, causing the veins to dilate (enlarge).

Can I go to gym with varicocele?

For at least a week, you should also avoid any physical exertion or standing for any extended period of time. After one week, you can exercise again. Don't go “all out” with exercise for another two weeks. You should be able to return to work in three days.

Is varicocele genetic?

Male factor infertility is solely responsible in about 20% of infertile couples and contributory in another 30-40%. Varicocele is considered by doctors to be a primary factor in 81 percent of infertility cases where couples are attempting to have a second child. Varicocele is not believed to be genetic.

Can varicocele cause zero sperm count?

A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of scrotal veins around the testicle and can decrease sperm counts, sperm motility, and morphology. Varicoceles can also cause increased damage to the DNA of sperm cells, having an adverse impact on fertilization, pregnancy, and miscarriage rates.

How does varicocele affect male fertility?

Decreased sperm count, decreased motility of sperm, and an increase in the number of deformed sperm are related to varicoceles. Some experts believe that blocked and enlarged veins around the testes, called varicoceles, cause infertility by raising the temperature in the scrotum and decreasing sperm production.

What can worsen varicocele?

Increase with standing or physical exertion, especially over long periods. Worsen over the course of a day. Be relieved when you lie on your back.