Causes of varicocele

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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There are several causes of varicocele, including congenital factors and secondary causes. Congenital causes are mainly seen in cases of incomplete development of venous valves, while secondary causes may result from prolonged sitting, standing, or intense exercise over time. Some patients develop varicocele due to kidney tumors or blood clots in renal veins, which obstruct the blood flow returning through the spermatic vein. Patients with severe varicocele may experience a sensation of heaviness and pain in the testicles. In treating varicocele, it is also important to understand the reasons behind it. If it is caused by a tumor, active treatment of the tumor is necessary.

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Does Grade II varicose veins require surgery?

In our clinical staging, Grade 2 varicose veins are the most common type of varicose veins. Often, these do not have complications and are relatively early-stage. The decision to undergo surgery depends on the patient's personal treatment preference. Some individuals might be motivated by cosmetic reasons, such as wanting to wear skirts or shorts in the summer to show off their legs. In such cases, their desire for treatment might be stronger. For some older individuals, they might not care as much, so the choice of undergoing surgery or opting for conservative treatment for Grade 2 varicose veins really depends on the patient's own wishes.

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Causes of varicocele

There are several causes of varicocele, including congenital factors and secondary causes. Congenital causes are mainly seen in cases of incomplete development of venous valves, while secondary causes may result from prolonged sitting, standing, or intense exercise over time. Some patients develop varicocele due to kidney tumors or blood clots in renal veins, which obstruct the blood flow returning through the spermatic vein. Patients with severe varicocele may experience a sensation of heaviness and pain in the testicles. In treating varicocele, it is also important to understand the reasons behind it. If it is caused by a tumor, active treatment of the tumor is necessary.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Symptoms of varicocele in the right spermatic cord

If it is a mild varicocele, most patients have no discomfort symptoms and it is not easily detected. If the varicocele reaches a moderate or even severe level, the patient may experience a sensation of dragging pain in the right testicle and a lax scrotum, especially after long periods of sitting, standing, or intense exercise. The pain and dragging sensation in the testicle will become more pronounced. However, the symptoms will gradually ease after lying down and resting. If varicocele persists for a long time, it can lead to a decline in sperm quality, causing male infertility, and can even result in testicular atrophy. If the above symptoms are present, it is necessary to promptly go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination to determine the diameter of the spermatic vein. A routine semen analysis may be necessary if there is a decline in semen quality. If needed, surgery may be required for treatment.

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Written by Chen Feng
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How is varicocele treated?

The treatment of varicocele depends on the severity of the condition. Clinically, some varicocele patients do not exhibit obvious symptoms, or show no symptoms at all and are only diagnosed during physical examinations. These patients can generally be treated conservatively by avoiding standing for long periods, avoiding prolonged walking, and by wearing tight underwear to alleviate symptoms of varicocele. However, some patients with varicocele do exhibit clear symptoms, including discomfort and pain in the scrotum on the affected side, especially after long periods of walking. These symptoms can become more severe and may also be accompanied by abnormalities in semen quality. These patients generally require surgical intervention, such as high ligation of the veins.

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What are the symptoms of varicocele?

The symptoms of varicocele vary depending on the severity of the patient's condition. Clinically, most varicocele patients have no obvious symptoms or no symptoms at all, and varicocele is often discovered during physical examinations. A small percentage of varicocele patients exhibit noticeable symptoms. The primary symptom is a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the testicles, especially after prolonged walking or standing. The pain becomes more pronounced, but it will decrease or even disappear after lying down and resting. Some varicocele patients may not show symptoms but present with infertility. Varicocele is then discovered through physical examinations or related medical tests.