Pune : Varicocele, an important but often neglected cause of male infertility, is on the rise, experts have reported. Early detection and treatment of this problem can increase the chances of natural pregnancy and IVF treatment success, experts say..(Photo Courtesy – istock)

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Varicocele is a swelling or bulging of the veins in the testicles of men. Similar to varicose veins in the legs, this problem is more common on the left side. This affects blood flow around the testicles, increases temperature, and can reduce sperm production and quality.

Dr. Rashmi Niphadkar (Infertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Baner, Pune) said that the main cause of varicocele is the valves in the veins not working properly. As a result, blood flow slows down and blood starts pooling. This problem is more common in teenagers and young men. But initially the symptoms are mild or unnoticeable. He said that in some men, pain in the testicles, heaviness, swelling, bulging veins or increased discomfort after standing for a long time and after physical activity are observed. Often this problem is noticed only after the difficulty in conceiving.

If left untreated, problems such as decreased sperm count, slow motility, abnormal sperm size, decreased testicular size and hormonal imbalance can occur. Two to three men between the ages of 30 and 55 who come for an infertility check-up are diagnosed with varicocele every week.

Dr. unbiasedR further states that treating varicocele with minimally invasive procedures or surgery can help improve sperm quality and increase the chances of pregnancy. In some cases, sperm parameters cannot be restored even after varicocele surgery, and in extreme cases, IVF remains the only solution. So don’t ignore persistent testicular pain or infertility problems.

Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary (Fertility and IVF Expert Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune) According to , around 20 to 25 % of men who come for infertility treatment are diagnosed with varicocele. Many men do not show any noticeable symptoms of this disease. But some may experience pain, heaviness in the testicles – especially after standing for long periods of time, physical exertion or exercise. In some cases, the size of the testicles is also slightly reduced.

Varicocele affects sperm quality the most. Swollen veins increase the temperature around the scrotum, which can reduce sperm production and motility. In particularly severe varicocele, sperm motility is significantly reduced. Varicocele is diagnosed primarily by physical examination. The diagnosis is then confirmed by scrotal sonography and Doppler examination. These tests can accurately diagnose even early-stage or grade 1 varicocele.

Surgery is considered the main treatment option in grade 3 varicocele. However, it is very important to evaluate the fertility of both partners before deciding on treatment or surgery. If the female partner is older than 36 to 37 years or has ovulation problems, fallopian tube blockage or uterine problems, advanced infertility treatments like IVF may be more appropriate. Therefore, it is important to choose the right treatment method at the individual level by considering the overall fertility health of the couple while deciding the treatment.

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According to experts, men need to have regular reproductive health check-ups, timely check-ups and open discussions about male infertility. While taking IVF or other fertility treatments, it is necessary to not only pay attention to women’s health, but also men’s fertility should be properly examined. Niphadkar explained.