What are the symptoms of varicocele?

Written by Chen Feng
Urology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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The symptoms of varicocele vary depending on the severity of the condition. Clinically, most patients with varicocele do not present distinct symptoms, or may not exhibit any symptoms at all, and the condition is often discovered during physical examinations. However, a small number of varicocele patients do exhibit clearly discernible symptoms, primarily presenting as discomfort or a heavy feeling in the scrotum on the affected side, especially after prolonged walking. Pain symptoms tend to worsen after such activities, but alleviate or even disappear after lying down and resting. These patients may also experience abnormal semen quality. For such cases, early surgical treatment is generally necessary. The surgery mainly involves high ligation of the spermatic vein, which helps relieve symptoms and is beneficial for the recovery of semen quality.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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Varicocele is caused by how?

Varicoceles can be seen in primary diseases, but they may also be secondary to other pathological changes. Generally, the anatomical characteristics of the venous walls within the spermatic cord make it easy for blood in the spermatic veins to have reflux problems, thereby leading to varicoceles. This is mainly because there are venous valves to prevent backflow when the veins inside the spermatic cord drain into the renal vein. If these valves are not fully developed, it can easily cause backflow, leading to varicoceles. Moreover, varicoceles occur more frequently on the left side than on the right. The left spermatic vein generally enters the left renal vein at a right angle, which also facilitates the occurrence of varicoceles. Secondary varicoceles may be caused by retroperitoneal tumors or renal tumors compressing the spermatic vein, thus leading to obstruction in spermatic vein reflux.

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Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
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Is inguinal lymph node enlargement related to varicocele?

The enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes is not significantly related to varicocele. The enlargement of lymph nodes in the inguinal area is mostly due to bacterial or viral infections in the lower limbs or throughout the body, lymphomas, as well as malignancies in the abdominal or pelvic area. Varicocele, meanwhile, is mostly caused by high pressure in the spermatic veins or some physiological factors that lead to the twisting and dilation of these veins. The two conditions are not directly related, and their incidence rates also differ. Additionally, the enlarged lymph nodes can generally be differentiated from varicocele through color ultrasound, and the treatment methods are different. Most varicoceles are resolved surgically; whereas enlarged inguinal lymph nodes can be treated conservatively with oral medication.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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Varicocele is caused by what?

Common causes of varicocele include: 1. Abnormal venous valves: The venous valves in the spermatic vein help prevent the backflow of blood. If these valves are abnormal, it can lead to blood reflux, causing varicocele. 2. Higher incidence of varicocele on the left side: Varicoceles are more likely to occur on the left side because the left spermatic vein enters the left renal vein at a right angle. Moreover, the left renal vein is often compressed by the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta, leading to obstructed blood flow in the spermatic vein. 3. Other secondary pathological changes, such as retroperitoneal tumors, renal tumors compressing the veins in the spermatic cord, or tumor thrombus embolizing the renal vein, can also cause obstruction in the spermatic venous flow, leading to varicocele.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Can varicocele cause urethral stinging?

Varicocele generally does not cause a burning sensation in the urethra. The main symptoms of varicocele are a dragging pain in the testicles, especially after long periods of standing, sitting, or intense physical activity. The pain becomes more pronounced, and the affected testicle may noticeably sag when standing. A color Doppler ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis. The most common cause of urethral burning sensation is urethritis or the presence of stones in the urethra, which needs to be confirmed through routine urine tests. If an increase in white blood cells is observed during the urine test, it can be diagnosed as a urinary tract infection. This condition requires timely treatment with antibiotics, and typically, a course of seven to ten days can lead to recovery.

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Urology
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Does masturbation lead to varicocele?

Masturbation generally does not cause varicocele. Patients with varicocele may have abnormal venous valve function in the spermatic cord, leading to reflux of venous blood; or it may be caused by the renal vein being compressed when entering the abdominal aorta, resulting in poor blood drainage in the spermatic vein. When varicocele occurs, some patients may not exhibit noticeable symptoms and only discover the condition during a physical examination. However, other patients may experience significant symptoms, typically presenting as discomfort or a dragging sensation in the scrotum on the affected side, especially after long periods of walking or standing. The pain usually becomes more pronounced in these situations, but symptoms tend to alleviate when lying flat.