Symptoms of varicocele in the right spermatic cord

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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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 Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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Does varicose veins hurt when pressed?

In most cases, varicose veins are not painful on touch. However, if they are painful when pressed, there are several possibilities. One is that there is an obstruction at the proximal end of the varicose vein, which is closer to the heart. This results in high local tension in the varicose vein, and pressing on it can stimulate the nerves in the surrounding membrane, causing pain on touch. Another possibility is that a blood clot has formed inside the varicose vein. The formation of blood clots is often accompanied by some sterile inflammation. When there is inflammation, symptoms can include redness, warmth, pain, and localized heat. Pressing on such an area can intensify the pain. Additionally, it is particularly important to emphasize that if varicose veins are painful on touch, one must visit a hospital and not press on them themselves. If there is a blood clot, pressing it could dislodge the clot, causing it to travel to the lungs and lead to a pulmonary embolism.

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Vascular Surgery
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Can people with varicose veins in the lower extremities drink alcohol?

The majority of patients with varicose veins in the lower limbs can drink alcohol in moderation, but should not drink excessively. However, there is one circumstance where it is advisable to check carefully before deciding whether to drink alcohol. This is the case if there are severe varicose veins in both lower limbs and even some clearly visible dilated veins on the abdomen. In such cases, it's recommended to check the liver first. This is because the veins from the lower limbs join to form a vein called the inferior vena cava, which passes through the liver to return to the heart. If there is a problem with the liver, it may compress the inferior vena cava, causing varicose veins on both sides. In this situation, drinking alcohol could further damage the liver, potentially worsening the varicose veins.

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Written by Zhang Xue Min
Vascular Surgery
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What happens if varicose veins worsen?

Varicose veins, when they worsen, can lead to changes in the skin, including thickening of the skin which feels woody to the touch. Additionally, the skin may exhibit pigmentation that can be severe enough to resemble the black color of a belt. More seriously, ulcers can develop, typically near the inner ankle, though they occasionally appear in other locations. These ulcers are referred to medically as “boot ulcers” and are commonly known among the general population as “continuous sore legs.” In extreme cases, these ulcers may persist for many years without healing and could potentially become malignant.

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What are the dangers of bruising due to varicose vein rupture?

When varicose veins rupture and cause bruising, if the area is small, it may be absorbed on its own. If the area is large, or if there is a certain degree of fluid accumulation, this fluid can potentially lead to infection, especially if the patient has diabetes or is using steroids, which may cause the accumulated blood to become infected. Additionally, after the absorption of a bruise, some patients may experience local pigmentation. This occurs because the iron-containing hemoglobin from metabolized red blood cells remains in the area, leading to a change in color. In severe cases, if the discoloration recurs, it may darken, and further development in some people might result in the skin becoming rougher and potentially ulcerating.

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Can venous varicosity be measured by CT?

Venous varicosities can undergo CT imaging, but generally, it's best to avoid injecting medication into the varicose veins. If the varicosities are in the lower limbs, a routine ultrasound examination is usually sufficient. To perform venous imaging with CT, medication is typically administered through the upper limbs. It moves through the general circulation, enters the arteries, reaches the peripheral tissues, and then flows back through the veins to allow imaging of the lower limb veins. This process is time-consuming, laborious, and costly; therefore, CT is generally not used to detect lower limb venous varicosities. However, CT can be used to examine venous abnormalities in other areas, such as problems with abdominal veins.