Does varicocele cause infertility? The question is one of the most researched topics in male infertility. Varicocele is a condition caused by the enlargement of the veins in the testicles and has an important place among the causes of infertility in men. Varicocele ranks first among the treatable causes of infertility. If varicocele causes male infertility, then surgery may be decided. However, it should be taken into consideration that not every varicocele is a cause of infertility and sperm values may not improve in every patient after surgery. For this reason, it is of great importance that people diagnosed with varicocele are evaluated by a specialist urologist and a personalized treatment plan is created. Let’s examine the details together.
What is Varicocele?
Varicocele is a vascular disease that occurs when the veins carrying blood from the testicles to the heart enlarge and lose their function. It is most common in the left testicle but can develop in both testicles. Varicocele causes backflow of blood in the testicles, which can negatively affect both testicular function and sperm production.
Varicocele, which is one of the most important and most common causes of infertility in men, usually starts during adolescence and may become symptomatic at a later age. The most common complaints of patients are
- pain in the testicles
- feeling of heaviness
- swelling
- is discomfort that increases with prolonged standing.
Does Varicocele Cause Infertility in Men?
Varicocele is one of the most common and treatable causes of infertility in men. As the veins in the testicles dilate, blood circulation is impaired and this leads to an increase in temperature in the testicles. The high temperature directly affects sperm production and quality.
Studies show that men with varicocele experience decreased sperm count, low motility and morphology disorders more frequently. Therefore, varicocele is the cause of infertility in about one third of men who cannot have children naturally.
However, it should be kept in mind that not all cases of varicocele lead to infertility. Some men may have a varicocele but have normal sperm counts and their reproductive function is not affected. The risk of infertility depends on the degree of varicocele, testicular function and the general health of the patient.
Does varicocele cause permanent infertility?
Varicocele is one of the most common causes of infertility in men, but it does not always lead to permanent infertility. As a result of the enlargement of the veins in the testicles, blood flow is impaired, which causes an increase in testicular temperature and adversely affects sperm production. If left untreated, sperm count, motility and morphology may deteriorate over time and the risk of infertility increases.
However, the damage caused by varicocele is not the same in every man. While sperm values may remain normal in some patients, others may experience serious decreases. In cases of varicocele diagnosed early and treated with the right method, sperm quality can be improved.
Is Everyone with Varicocele Infertile?
Not everyone with varicocele is infertile. Although varicocele is one of the most common causes of infertility in men, it does not affect reproductive functions in all patients. Some men may have normal sperm count, motility and structure despite having varicocele and these men can have children naturally.
The risk of infertility depends on the degree of varicocele, the damage to the testicles and the patient’s general health. In severe cases of varicocele, deterioration in sperm values is more common, while in mild cases of varicocele, reproductive functions are usually preserved.
Does Varicocele Affect Sexual Life?
Varicocele is not a disease that directly causes sexual dysfunction. However, some indirect effects may be seen due to vein dilatation in the testicles. Testicular pain, which increases especially after prolonged standing or physical activity, may negatively affect the sexual desire and performance of the person.
The most important effect of varicocele on sexual life is the risk of infertility. When sperm production and quality deteriorate, the possibility of not being able to have children can put psychological pressure on couples. This may be reflected in sexual reluctance or loss of self-confidence.
Varicocele Surgery Price
Varicocele surgery pricevaries depending on many factors. The infrastructure of the hospital where the surgery is performed, the surgical method used, the experience of the physician performing the surgery and additional treatments that may be needed after the operation are among the factors that directly affect the cost.
Varicocele surgery performed with microsurgical method Today, it is one of the most preferred methods with the highest success rate. Due to the advantages of this method, its cost may differ from other methods.
Urology physicians specialized in their field Assoc. Dr. Ömer Bayrak emphasizes that patients planning varicocele surgery should not make a decision based solely on price, the main priority should be the quality of treatment and long-term success.