Whenever there is a condition of infertility arising in the couple, the female partner is the one who is targeted for this cause, which is completely a myth, and this is what we will explain to you in this blog. The problem can be in the male partner or the female partner, and this is very important that we do tests and find out the exact reason who has a problem. It is seen that half of the infertility is due to the male partner, and the main cause that affects male fertility and is often avoided is known as Varicocele. Hence, for the couple facing difficulty, let’s start the procedure by getting the knowledge related to Varicocele, how it is known for affecting the fertility in males, and what the treatment options are that can be helpful in solving this fertility problem.
In this blog, we will help all couples facing infertility issues, along with the step-by-step procedure that will help them solve the complex issues in a simple yet understanding way, done by the Ganga Laxmi IVF centre that has helped several couples fulfil their dream of parenthood, getting rid of the issue they were facing related to reproductive health.
Varicocele Explained In a Simple Way
A varicocele is simply an extension of the size of the veins in the scrotum, just like varicose veins in the legs. These veins are known as the pampiniform plexus, which drains the testicle. The breakdown of veins causes the pooling of blood when the valves fail to operate, resulting in swelling and high pressure.
This wastes blood flow, thereby overheating the testicles, making the process destructive as sperm generation needs a lower temperature compared to the other body parts. This may ultimately decrease the number of sperm, influence the quality of sperm and even influence testosterone levels.
Although it does not necessarily produce any observable effects in all men, fertility effects can be dramatic, particularly for a potential conception.
How Common is a Varicocele?
Varicocele is actually prevalent. The literature shows that approximately 15 per cent of all men get varicocele, and this figure increases to almost 40 per cent amongst men with problems with infertility. Although it is common, not all men might be aware that they have it until the time they take a fertility test.
Interestingly, varicocelles are likely to be found on the left-hand side of the scrotum because of the structure of the veins, although they may be found on both sides. Varicocele may be the primary cause of delayed conception in some men who live their lives without fertility problems.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Varicocele can manifest without symptoms in many men, and that is why it is hardly noticed. Some red flags can, though, include:
- Pain in the scrotum, dull or aching, especially when standing or engaging in physical activity and especially after long periods of standing.
- Enlarged veins which can resemble a bag of worms.
- The fact that one of the testicles is smaller than the other.
- Inability or inability to conceive a baby after frequent unprotected sex.
Varicocele may be an invisible, silent cause of sperm quality, even in the absence of pain and thus fertility assessment should be considered in men with conception difficulties.
The reason why Varicocele is an issue for male fertility
The production, in the quantity and quality, of healthy sperm is vital in fertility. Varicocele is capable of interfering with this in several ways:
- Higher Testicular Temperature: The production of sperm is very temperature sensitive. The local temperature is compromised by the pooling of blood in a varicocele, which adversely affects the sperm count and motility.
- Poor Blood Circulation: When there is poor blood circulation, there is a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the testicles, which may damage the development of sperm.
- Oxidative Stress: Varicocele correlates with the amplification of oxidative stress, and this may result in the damage of sperm DNA and lower the overall quality of the sperm.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Sometimes varicocele may change the level of testosterone, which further impacts fertility.
This is a combination that causes varicocele to be one of the most common correctable causes of male infertility. Treating it can radically increase the odds of conception.
Diagnosing Varicocele
In case a couple is having trouble conceiving, the male’s fertility needs to be checked. Varicocele is generally diagnosed by:
- Physical Examination: A physician examines whether the veins are enlarged, which can be more apparent when standing or doing a Valsalva manoeuvre (straining as though it is lifting something heavy).
- Ultrasound Imaging: This assists in imaging the veins, together with checking the blood flow to determine the severity.
- Sperm Study: This test measures the number of sperm, sperm motility, and sperm morphology (shape), which may evaluate the effect that varicocele has on fertility.
We carry out extensive tests on both partners of the couple to diagnose causes of problems and propose effective treatment strategies at Ganga Laxmi IVF.
Varicocele Treatment
Not all varicoceles are to be treated. In case of no pain or fertility issue, observation could be adequate. Treatment is, however, recommended if there is a fertility issue or in the event of symptoms.
Varicocelectomy (Surgery)
Varicocelectomy is a form of surgery in which the swollen veins are bound to channel the blood towards healthy veins. The latest microsurgical procedures can be performed using minimal invasiveness and less recurrence. The quality of sperm is improved in 3-6 months in many men after the operation.
Percutaneous Embolization
It is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure that is done by an interventional radiologist. A tiny catheter is passed into a vein, and the defective veins that are resulting in the varicocele are sealed, and normal blood flow is restored. Response is fast, and it is also effective in men who do not want to undergo surgery.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART).
With a situation where the sperm quality has not been restored to its pre-treatment level, some more modern fertility procedures, such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), may assist the couple to have a baby. Besides medical interventions, lifestyle modification, including lower exposure to heat, smoking cessation and healthy nutrition, can aid fertility.
Life After Treatment
The majority of men report the disappearance of pain (where present) and the enhancement of testicular activity following the treatment of varicocele. Sperm quality is usually enhanced, and the likelihood of natural conception is heightened. Couples previously facing infertility receive hope and confidence, and among those who require ART, a higher success rate is achieved when the varicocele is treated first.
At Ganga Laxmi IVF, we work towards the strategy of individualised treatment, whereby we keep track of the patient following treatment, assist them in lifestyle modification, and facilitate the assisted reproductive treatments they may need.
Effects of Varicocele on emotions
This may be an emotionally difficult experience to hear that one has a fertility-disrupting condition, such as a varicocele. Men can be stressed, guilty or frustrated, couples can be worried about how they will have their family in the future. It is significant to realise that varicocele is a disease and not a character flaw. Open communication and counselling will enable the couple to comfort themselves, and prompt treatment builds up confidence both physically and emotionally.
When to Seek Help
In case you and your partner have been attempting to conceive after one year or more with no success, you ought to seek the support of a fertility expert. Varicocele can be asymptomatic, even in the absence of signs or symptoms, and it can have an insidious impact on the health of sperm. When detected early and interventions are made, the results can be significantly better.
Why Ganga Laxmi IVF is Your Perfect Fertility Partner
The issues of fertility may seem overwhelming, yet you do not have to handle them on your own. At Ganga Laxmi IVF Best IVF Center in Lucknow, we provide:
- Professional assessment of the fertility of men and women.
- Individualised management plans for varicocele.
- Assisted reproductive technologies as and when necessary.
- Counselling and emotional support to help couples through the process.
We aim to provide couples with knowledge, care and access to the best fertility solutions that exist.
Conclusion
Severe causes of male infertility include varicocele, which can be managed. Although it can struggle silently to affect the quality of the sperm and fertility, early diagnosis and treatment can restore reproductive health, thus giving a better chance of conception. Couples have several options for getting through this trick, whether it is through surgical cure, minimally invasive surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies.
At Ganga Laxmi IVF, we employ expertise in healthcare with careful treatment in guiding couples to achieve parenthood. When you know what a varicocele is, when you enlist the help of a doctor in good time and when you conform to the appropriate course of therapy, the infertility journey will become a pathway of hope and the creation of the family of your own dream.