What is Varicocele?
Varicocele is a vascular disease that occurs when the veins around the testicles (scrotal sacs) enlarge and swell.
It shows characteristics similar to varicose veins and may negatively affect sperm production and quality. For this reason, it has an important place among the causes of male infertility.
Varicocele is usually seen in the left testicle and most commonly affects young men starting from adolescence.
Not every varicocele case results in infertility; however, treatment is necessary in symptomatic cases.
What Are the Symptoms of Varicocele?
Varicocele often progresses without symptoms. However, it may be noticed in the following situations:
- Pain or a sensation of heaviness in the scrotum (testicular sac)
- Discomfort, especially after standing for a long time or after exercise
- Decrease in testicle size
- Infertility or low sperm count in semen analysis
Varicocele can be easily diagnosed with physical examination and color Doppler ultrasonography applied at FertiJin.
What Causes Varicocele?
Although the exact cause of varicocele is unknown, it is thought to occur due to backflow of blood (reflux) as a result of improper functioning of the valves located in the spermatic cord (testicular vein).
This condition causes the veins to enlarge and leads to an increase in temperature around the testicle. Increased temperature negatively affects sperm production.
Does Varicocele Cause Infertility?
Varicocele can reduce sperm production and movement by increasing testicular temperature.
In the long term, the following effects may be seen:
- Decrease in sperm count
- Weakening of sperm motility
- Decrease in testicular volume
- Risk of miscarriage due to DNA damage
Although not every varicocele case results in infertility, surgical treatment is recommended especially in moderate and advanced varicoceles.
Varicocele Treatment Methods
The aim of varicocele treatment is to correct impaired blood flow and preserve testicular function.
The most effective treatment option is the microsurgical varicocelectomy method.
Microsurgical Varicocelectomy (Varicocele Surgery)
In this method, enlarged veins are found with the help of a microscope and are tied off and disabled.
The surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia.
The microsurgical method:
- Minimizes tissue damage
- Reduces the risk of recurrence (below 1%)
- Shortens the recovery period
👉 After the surgery, which takes an average of 1 hour, the patient can be discharged on the same day.
Things to Consider After Varicocele Surgery
- Rest for the first 2 days is recommended.
- Heavy physical activities and sexual intercourse should be postponed for approximately 2 weeks.
- Mild pain and swelling after surgery are normal.
- Follow-up examination and, if necessary, a sperm test (spermiogram) are performed after 3 months.
What Happens If Varicocele Is Not Treated?
Untreated varicocele may progress over time and cause the following problems:
- Decrease in testicle size (atrophy)
- Decrease in sperm count and quality
- Low testosterone
- Infertility
Varicocele does not resolve spontaneously. Early diagnosis and correct treatment are critically important in terms of preserving sperm parameters.
Varicocele and the Chance of Becoming a Father
After varicocele surgery, a significant increase in sperm quality and count can be achieved.
Thanks to this increase, the chance of natural pregnancy increases by 30–40%.
In addition, it also increases the success rate in couples planning in vitro fertilization treatment (IVF / ICSI).
🎯 Pregnancy rate after varicocele surgery: Increase up to 40%
🎯 After recovery, the chance of pregnancy increases significantly within the first 6–12 months.
Varicocele Treatment and Surgery Prices – Istanbul
Varicocele surgery prices vary depending on the technique applied, the surgeon’s experience, and the equipment of the center.
FertiJin Women’s Health and IVF Center provides personalized diagnosis and treatment services with its urology team specialized in microsurgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can varicocele be completely cured?
Yes. Varicocele surgery performed with the microsurgical method provides permanent results.
Does varicocele recur after surgery?
The recurrence rate with the microsurgical method is below 1%.
Is non-surgical varicocele treatment possible?
Although methods such as percutaneous embolization exist, the success rate is lower compared to microsurgery.
Is every man with varicocele infertile?
No. Not all varicocele cases lead to infertility; some men can become fathers naturally.