Varicocele in conception fail
Varicocele is a condition that affects the veins in the scrotum, the sac that holds the testicles. It occurs when the valves in the veins do not work properly, causing blood to pool and enlarge the veins. This can cause pain, swelling, or discomfort in the scrotum, and it can also affect the production and quality of sperm, leading to infertility in some cases.
Varicocele is very common, affecting about 15% of adult men and 20% of adolescent boys. It usually develops during puberty and worsens over time. It is more likely to occur on the left side of the scrotum, due to the anatomy of the testicular veins. The exact cause of varicocele is not known, but it may be related to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or environmental exposures.
Varicocele can be diagnosed by a physical examination or an ultrasound of the scrotum. If it causes no symptoms or complications, it may not require treatment. However, if it causes pain, testicular shrinkage, or infertility, it can be treated by surgery or a minimally invasive procedure called varicocele embolization. These treatments aim to block the blood flow to the abnormal veins and redirect it to the normal ones, which may improve the sperm quality and fertility.
Varicocele can affect the fertility of men in several ways. First, it can increase the temperature in the scrotum, which can damage the testicles and reduce the number and motility of sperm. Second, it can cause oxidative stress, which can damage the DNA and the membrane of the sperm. Third, it can cause hormonal changes, which can affect the function and maturation of the sperm. Fourth, it can cause variances in the chromosomes of the sperm, which can lead to genetic abnormalities or miscarriage.
Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility, accounting for about 40% of cases. It can reduce the chances of natural conception and the success of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, not all men with varicocele are infertile, and not all cases of varicocele need treatment. The decision to treat varicocele depends on the severity of the symptoms, the size of the varicocele, the sperm parameters, and the reproductive goals of the couple.
In conclusion, varicocele is a condition that affects the veins in the scrotum and can impair sperm production and quality. It can cause infertility or subfertility in some men, and it can be treated by surgery or embolization. It is important to seek medical advice and follow the recommendations to improve the varicocele and the chances of conception.
