Varicoceles are quite a common condition among men. It affects almost 15% of the male population. For many men, their varicocele will go unnoticed throughout their life, or it will not cause any problems. About 20% of adolescents have varicoceles, so a fraction likely resolve spontaneously. Varicocele treatment in India aims to resolve the condition to avoid affecting the man’s fertility.
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What Is Varicocele?
Varicocele is the enlargement of testicular veins due to the pooling of blood. These veins transport oxygen-depleted blood from the testicles. The condition occurs when the blood doesn’t flow efficiently out of the scrotum and pools inside it.
In simple words, varicoceles are swollen veins in your scrotum. It’s like a varicose vein you get in your leg. It might feel like a bag of worms. A varicocele is more likely to occur on the left side of your scrotum because of differences in how blood drains from your left testicle back into the body’s major veins. You can usually see it when standing up but not lying down.
Is Varicocele Serious?
Varicocele isn’t life-threatening. Many men don’t even feel the pain due to varicoceles. But if the scrotum starts paining, one should get checked and get the recommended treatment on time.
What Causes Varicocele?
The exact cause behind varicocele is unknown.
Many scientists think the main reason behind varicocele is the malfunction of valves inside the veins intended to keep blood moving in the right direction. The spermatic cord is a tissue band that keeps your testicles in place. They return blood from your testicles to your body. When the valve doesn’t work correctly, blood starts to pool inside the veins, which leads to swelling over time.
Another theory suggests that the left testicular vein follows a slightly different path than the right vein — a path that makes a problem with blood flow more likely on the left. When the oxygen-depleted blood gets backed up in the network of veins, they widen (dilate), creating the varicocele.
When varicoceles happen in teen boys, it’s often because of their rapid growth during puberty. The testicles need more blood than usual as they develop, and any problem in the veins can keep the blood from getting where it needs to go.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Varicocele?
Although varicocele doesn’t produce any signs or symptoms, some may include:
- Dull testicular pain or aching in your scrotum, which often gets better when you lie down
- Swelling in your testicles or scrotum
- Shrinking in your testicles (testicular atrophy)
- Inability to achieve pregnancy after at least a year of trying (infertility)
If you have pain, it may feel like:
- Switch from dull to sharp.
- Get worse when you stand or exert yourself, especially for a long time.
- Become more intense as the day goes on.
- Go away when you lie on your back.
When Are Varicoceles Usually Found?
Varicoceles are usually found due to one of the following reasons:
- Most commonly, its found in an entirely asymptomatic man being evaluated for infertility.
- The patient or physician may detect a mass in the scrotum during a routine exam.
- A man may present to a physician with pain in the scrotum.
How To Diagnose Varicocele?
Your health practitioner will first discuss your medical health history with you. Your symptoms will be discussed in length, following which a physical examination will be conducted. Varicocele treatment in India includes an on-point diagnosis of the condition.
During the physical exam, your provider may ask you to stand up, take a deep breath, hold your nose and mouth closed, and strain to push air out. This is the Valsalva maneuver. They’ll feel your scrotum for enlarged veins as you’re holding your breath and straining. Varicocele treatment in India includes various diagnostic tests like:
- Pelvic ultrasound – An imaging test providing a detailed view of the veins in your testicles.
- Semen analysis – A test to determine the overall health of the sperm; done when there are concerns that a varicocele is impacting your fertility.
- Blood tests – A test is done to determine the presence of hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone.
The most common diagnostic test done to determine varicoceles is the imaging test. The sonograph is used for the following purposes:
- Confirm the diagnosis or characterize the varicocele.
- Eliminate another condition as a possible cause of signs or symptoms.
- Detect a lesion or other factor obstructing blood flow.
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What Complications Arise With Varicocele?
In general, the symptoms of varicocele are hardly visible unless the condition is severe. With this, quite a few complications arise like:
- Male hypogonadism – Poor testicular health can lead to low production of hormones. This, in turn, can cause testicle growth, reduced sex drive, decreased muscle mass, gradual shrinkage of testicles, and depression.
- Infertility – Varicocele can lead to azoospermia, with no sperm to ejaculate. It is one of the causes of infertility.
How To Treat Varicocele?
Mainly, varicocele doesn’t require any form of treatment. But if the male fertility factor is taken into consideration, treatment may be necessary. There are two ways to treat varicocele, namely:
1. Medications
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as naproxen and ibuprofen — can help relieve any aching or pain in your scrotum or testicles.
2. Varicocelectomy
Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure to treat varicocele. Various surgical procedures come under it, such as:
- Varicocele embolization – It is a minimally invasive method where small coils are introduced through a vein in the groin area and are used to block the veins in the abdomen feeding the varicocele.
- Laparoscopic varicocele ligation – The surgeon ligates/ties off the affected veins to redirect the blood flow. The goal is to block the blood flow through the varicocele veins, reducing blood pooling and relieving the varicocele. The surgeon may use sutures or other techniques to tie off the veins, or they may employ additional methods like clips or surgical glue to occlude the veins.
- Laparoscopic varicocelectomy – Small incisions are made in the abdomen to introduce the laparoscope at the targeted area. Special instruments are then used to remove the varicocele veins altogether. The procedure aims to eliminate the varicocele by excising the affected veins. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
- Microsurgical varicocelectomy (Open Surgery) – Microsurgical varicocelectomy is performed through a small incision in the groin or lower abdomen. The surgeon uses an operating microscope or magnifying loupes to visualize and access the varicocele. The affected veins are meticulously dissected and ligated using fine sutures. This procedure is usually performed under local or regional anesthesia.
Cost Of Varicocele Treatment In India
Indian hospitals have one of the best urology departments in the world. Hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology and house some of the best urologists. The cost of varicocele treatment in India ranges between $600 to $2100, depending on the type of treatment (medication or surgical) chosen by the patient.
Top Hospitals Offering Varicocele Treatment In India
GoMedii has compiled a list of top hospitals offering varicocele treatment in India. These hospitals are known for their renowned team of urologists. Not only that, these hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and are also known for their palliative care.
The hospitals are:
- Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta, Bangalore
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
- Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai
- Fortis Hospital, Bangalore
- Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai
- Medanta the Medicity, Gurugram
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, Delhi
- Gleneagles Global Hospital, Hyderabad
- Care Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmedabad
- BLK Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi
- Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Delhi
- Fortis Hospital, Ahmedabad
- Venkateshwar Hospital, Delhi
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali
- Jaypee Hospital, NOIDA
FAQs On Varicocele Treatment In India
1. Does removing varicoceles improve fertility?
Yes, removing varicoceles improves fertility. Pregnancy rates may increase to nearly 70% after a varicocelectomy.
2. Can varicocele be permanent?
It entirely depends on the severity of the varicocele. If you have a higher-grade varicocele and don’t get treatment, it can permanently damage your testicles.
3. Is varicocele surgery risky?
Varicocelectomy is a safe procedure that has a high chance of improving your fertility and reducing complications of blocked blood flow into your reproductive organs.
4. Do varicoceles cause infertility?
Yes, varicoceles can cause azoospermia, where you have no sperm to ejaculate. It is one of the causes of infertility.
5. What is the cost of varicocele surgery in India?
The cost of varicocele treatment in India ranges between $600 to $2100, depending on the type of treatment (medication or surgical) chosen by the patient.
The above article has been proofread by our in-house health expert Dr Alok Pandey, physician (MBBS).
Choose GoMedii For Affordable Varicocele Treatment In India
If you want affordable varicocele treatment in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.
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