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Varicocele is characterized by the dilation of the testicular veins responsible for draining blood in the scrotal region. This happens due to blood reflux triggered by a failure in the venous valves.

Varicoceli
Varicocele: A clínica

WHAT CAN CAUSE VARICOCELE?

Testicular veins have a system of valves inside that prevent blood reflux. When the individual has varicocele, this system does not work properly, causing retention of venous blood in the scrotum, with consequent dilatation of the testicular veins and thickening of the muscle wall in the region.

 

Other situations that can cause  varicocele  they are:

  • Genetic inheritance, especially first degree;

  • Congenital absence of spermatic valves;

  • Obstruction or compression of the venous system.

The incidence of varicocele can vary according to age, being 7.2% for patients between 2 and 19 years old, 10% to 25% for men over 20 years old and 42.9% for elderly patients. It is important to note that childhood varicocele cases are rare and considered serious. The condition usually arises during puberty.

THE  varicocele  it can be bilateral—that is, affecting both the left and right testicles—or unilateral. In the latter case, most varices in the scrotum occur on the left side due to the anatomy of the left gonadal vein.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF VARICOCELE?

The classification of  varicocele  it will depend on the degree of development of the condition, with three different levels. Are they:

  • Subclinical:  detected by imaging exams;

  • Grade I:  when the scrotal varices are small and palpable only after the Valsalva maneuver, in the office;

  • Grade II:  when the condition is easily palpable without the maneuver;

  • Grade III:  when it is possible to identify the presence of the  varicocele  visually and with palpation.

HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS CARRIED OUT?

The main test performed to diagnose the  varicocele  it is the physical, performed in the andrologist's office at a non-cooled temperature to help relax the scrotal musculature – the patient must remain standing while being examined. To confirm the diagnosis, the andrologist may request some tests, the main ones:

  • Color eco-doppler;

  • Doppler stethoscope;

  • Sperm vein venography;

  • Seminal analysis (spermogram);

  • Sperm function tests.

HOW CAN VARICOCELE CAUSE INFERTILITY?

Infertility by  varicocele  it occurs due to excess heat in the testicle region caused by the condition. Because of this, there is an increase in the production of free radicals that cannot be properly fought by the antioxidant systems, leading to testicular and seminal oxidative stress.

During this process, Sertoli cells—responsible for forming sperm—and Leydig cells—responsible for producing testosterone—are directly affected, resulting in a considerable reduction in sperm production and quality.

It is essential to emphasize that being diagnosed with  varicocele  it does not mean that the patient will automatically be considered infertile. However, the chances of the individual having difficulty getting his partner pregnant will be relatively higher when compared to men who do not have the condition. On average, 40% of infertile men have been diagnosed with varicocele.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR VARICOCELE?

With the diagnosis in hand, the andrologist establishes which medical protocol is the most suitable for each case. The main treatments for  varicocele  they are:

  • Microsurgical correction of varicocele:  this surgical procedure is minimally invasive and allows not only the reestablishment of man's fertile potential but also preserves testicular health. It has less than 1% chance of recurrence and can improve sperm count in approximately 60% of cases;

  • Annual follow-up with andrologist:  when there is presence of varicocele, but there is no compromise in sperm production and quality.

HOW IS VARICOCELE CLASSIFIED?

The classification of  varicocele  it will depend on the degree of involvement of the disease. There are three different degrees:

  • Subclinical:  detected by imaging exams;

  • Grade I:  when the scrotal varices are small and palpable only after the Valsalva maneuver, in the office;

  • Grade II:  when the condition is easily palpable without the maneuver;

  • Grade III:  when it is possible to identify the presence of the  varicocele  visually and with palpation.

When looking for a specialist doctor to treat varicocele, it is extremely important to choose a professional with expertise in the area, recognized by renowned institutions in the sector. Dr. Jorge Hallak, for example, is a pioneer in men's health in Brazil and a member of the main national and international associations, such as the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU),  American Society of Andrology,  International Society of Andrology, among others.

 

Given the effects of varicocele on men's reproductive health, it is essential that men go to an andrologist annually to take care of their reproductive health. If you have any questions, please contact us and schedule an appointment.

55 11 91750-0686
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