Does every varicocele need surgery?
No; most do not.
Varicocele Evaluation and Treatment
A clinical evaluation can help determine whether a varicocele requires treatment and which options may be appropriate. Recommendations depend on the individual assessment.
Varicocele Surgery
Varicocele is a condition which arises due to vein enlargement that is present in the scrotum. These are the veins which are responsible for the blood flow in the testis. When they get enlarged, it affects the blood flow and due to this, the testicular temperature is increased. This increase in temperature will negatively affect the sperm quality and quantity. It is treated using varicocele surgery which corrects the enlarged veins using a microscope.
Importance of Varicocele Surgery
Varicocele surgery is significant in improving the quality of sperm by effectively treating the varicocele. It is important for the following reasons-
- Improving Sperm Quality Varicocele surgery treats the condition varicocele which helps in the conception either naturally or by fertility treatments
- Preventing Testicular Damage It treats the chronic varicocele which if left untreated then can cause permanent damage to the testicle which impacts sperm growth and production
When repair may be discussed
Current guidance supports discussing varicocele repair for a man with a palpable varicocele, abnormal semen parameters and a partner with normal or correctable fertility, particularly when the couple is trying to conceive naturally or with IUI. Repair is not routinely advised for a varicocele that cannot be felt on examination, for normal semen parameters, or when IVF with ICSI is planned for other reasons. Semen parameters may improve after repair in some men; improvement is not guaranteed and takes several months to assess. Adolescents and men with pain are assessed separately.
Treatment information
- ICSI - as it involves the direct injection of sperm in eggs, the surgery will improve the sperm quality
- Cryopreservation- After the surgery when the quality of the sperm is improved and enhanced then it can be stored for future utilization
- IVF - The relationship between varicocele treatment and an IVF plan is discussed according to the individual evaluation
Frequently asked questions
Will surgery improve my sperm count?
In some men, over several months; it is not guaranteed.
Can we go straight to IVF instead?
Yes, in many situations IVF with ICSI is the more direct route, and the varicocele is left alone.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how varicocele surgery can help enhance your fertility journey.
Dr. Spoorthy Chennamaneni
Dr. Spoorthy Chennamaneni, MBBS, DGO, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), FRM (Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine), Telangana State Medical Council Reg. 070142, with 12+ years of experience, consults in English, Telugu and Hindi at Conceiva Fertility, Kondapur.