Varicocele is defined as the enlargement of the veins that carry deoxygenated blood around the testis. When the valve system in this vascular structure fails, the deoxygenated blood that should move away from the testis unfortunately pools in the testis. As a result, the cells in the testis that produce sperm and those that produce testosterone do not work properly. Insufficient secretion of testosterone can lead to reduced sexual desire and erectile problems in men.
Another way in which varicocele affects sexuality is that, over time, the testis begins to shrink as a result of the varicocele. When the testis shrinks, the hormone- and sperm-producing cells weaken and cannot produce enough hormone. As a result the man experiences erectile problems and reduced desire.
The most effective method in varicocele surgery is microsurgery. Under the microscope the arterial structure bringing clean blood to the testis and the lymphatics are clearly seen and preserved. The vessels carrying deoxygenated blood that harm the testis are ligated and divided, and the blood flow is stopped. To increase success in varicocele treatment, a special Doppler device is used during surgery in addition to the microscopic technique. With this Doppler technology the arterial structure is identified clearly. This technique was first used in Turkey by our team. Thanks to both the microscopic technique and Doppler technology, the post-operative recurrence rate is very low: while the recurrence rate after conventional surgery is 30%, with the technique we developed it is less than 1%.
If varicocele is not treated in the long term, it impairs sperm quality, makes it harder to have children and damages the man's reproductive potential. Another problem with varicocele is that it shrinks the testis and causes pain: varicocele causes a throbbing pain in the testis.
There is no treatment for varicocele other than surgery. Varicocele does not improve with herbal treatment or other traditional remedies.
The risk of varicocele is also increased in the son of a man with varicocele, but environmental factors are more important in varicocele. For example, standing for long periods, exposure to heat, going to the sauna and Turkish bath frequently and constantly lifting weights for bodybuilding can cause varicocele.
Untreated varicocele leads to low sperm count, testicular pain and reduced testosterone. As a result the man both has difficulty having children and experiences a loss of sexual performance.
Not every varicocele needs to be treated, because not every varicocele causes harm in a man. Who should and should not have surgery must be evaluated by a physician experienced in this field.
