Varicocele is a condition where blood vessels in the testicle become enlarged and twisted, potentially causing infertility. Faulty valves in the veins are the likely cause, and surgery or embolization can be used as treatment options.
Varicose veins on the testicle, or varicocele, is a medical condition that can contribute to infertility. It occurs when one or more blood vessels in this region of the body become twisted and enlarged. The most likely explanation for the development of varicose veins in the testicle involves a faulty valve in one of the veins in the testicle. The normal course of blood flow is affected and varicose veins develop.
Blood normally flows to the testicles through an artery and is dispersed through a series of small veins. As blood circulates through the abdomen, it travels from small veins to larger veins that travel up the abdomen. The blood in these veins should normally flow upward towards the heart. The one-way valves in the veins are meant to stop blood from flowing to the testicles.
Varicose veins on the testicle develop when the one-way valves located in these veins don’t work properly. Some blood travels back to the testicles and over time this stretches the small veins responsible for feeding the testicles. As a result, the veins are misshapen and can cause pain or a heavy feeling in one testicle.
Once varicose veins have been diagnosed, surgery is an available treatment option. During the procedure, which is usually done under general anesthesia, a urologist will make an incision in the scrotum and cut until the varicose veins are exposed. Then he will tie off the veins and redirect blood flow to veins with valves that are functioning normally. This procedure can be done with a metal scope that is inserted into the abdomen, known as a laparoscope.
Another option for treating this condition is varicocele embolization, which is performed on an outpatient basis. A catheter is inserted into the abdomen and passed until it reaches the varicose veins on the testicle. A special dye is injected into the patient and X-rays are used to see the location of the varicose vein. A small metal coil is inserted into the catheter and guided into the varicose vein, where it is left in place to block blood flow. Once the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed. The patient does not need stitches and can go home the same day.
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