Although medicine has not yet clarified the relationship between varicocele, dysfunction and testosterone levels, it is clear that there is one. In this article, we will take care of delving into the relationship of these diseases with the main male hormone.
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What is varicocele?
First of all, and before we get into the subject at hand, it is worth clarifying this point. Since There are many men who wonder what varicocele is., let's try to answer this question.
This is one of the most common male diseases, being present in around 15% of young men. The disease consists of the dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord which is located in the scrotum.
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What problems does it cause?
This dilation It affects sperm production, drastically reducing it in both quantity and quality.. Therefore, it can cause serious fertility problems.
How does varicocele affect sexual relations?
El varicocele, a dilation of the veins within the scrotum, can affect sexual relations by causing pain or discomfort in the testicles, which can decrease libido and sexual desire. It can also influence sperm quality and fertility, which could affect sexual confidence and well-being. However, it does not always cause obvious symptoms and its effects vary between individuals.
What are your symptoms?
Although this ailment It usually does not present symptoms, sometimes it can cause mild pain in the testicular area.
In other, even rarer cases, complications may arise related to inflammation, chronic pain and others. But we insist that It is normal for the patient to experience no symptoms or pain..
In the most common cases of pain, it will be characterized by the following characteristics:
- Brief, sharp pain
- Increased discomfort due to standing for long periods of time or performing exercises or physical exertion over a long period of time.
- Decreased discomfort when sitting or lying down.
Can it be treated?
Although the disease is perfectly treatable, Not all men require treatment. Based on this, there are three types of surgical treatment to solve this problem.
- Open surgery
- Percutaneous intervention
- Laparoscopic surgery
Relationship between varicocele, erectile dysfunction and testosterone levels
Between 2014 and 2017, a study on this subject was conducted in Cuba. During the study, Testosterone levels were compared in patients with and without varicocele.
The results showed that 38,6% of patients who suffered from varicocele also suffered from erectile dysfunctionThis led researchers to conclude that the existence of varicocele is a risk factor for the appearance of sexual dysfunctions.
In turn, it was shown that Serum testosterone concentration in patients with varicoceles was lower to that of patients who did not suffer from this problem.
In short, the findings of the team from Pinar del Río (Cuba) suggest that Varicocele may be involved in the appearance of erectile dysfunction caused by decreased testosterone levels.
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What are the consequences of varicocele surgery?
Varicocele surgery, usually a minimally invasive surgery or an open surgery, may have some consequences or side effects, including:
-
Postoperative Pain:
- It is common to experience pain or discomfort in the operated area after surgery. This pain is usually temporary and can be managed with prescription painkillers.
-
Hematomas and Bruises:
- The appearance of bruising or hematomas on the scrotum and surrounding area is a normal consequence, which usually resolves within a few weeks.
-
Infection:
- As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Following postoperative care instructions helps minimize this risk.
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Fertility Related Complications:
- Although surgery is intended to improve fertility by correcting the varicocele, in rare cases there may be limited improvement or unexpected effects on sperm quality.
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Varicocele Recurrence:
- There is a chance that the varicocele may develop again after surgery, although this is rare.
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Change in Sexual Sensitivity:
- Some men may experience temporary changes in sexual sensitivity or erectile function, although these effects are usually transient.
In general, most people experience a satisfactory recovery and improvement in symptoms after surgery, but it is important to discuss all risks and benefits with your doctor before proceeding with the operation.
Does varicocele increase cardiac risk?
As we have already explained, varicocele is associated with some abnormally low levels of testosterone. This, in turn, is associated with metabolic risks and heart disease. So, we could say yes: varicocele increases cardiac risk. But there may be more:
The big question is whether varicocele is just a marker of men's health, or whether repairing varicocele could actually improve men's health in the long term.
Dr. Keith Jarvi, director of urology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto.
Resident researchers at Stanford's School of Urology wanted to shed some light on this issue. To do so, they conducted a study involving more than 4.000 men with varicocele and the same number of men without.
The results showed that men with varicocele tended to be more prone to heart disease. They also had higher risks of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, as well as hyperlipidemia.
Thus, the researchers found a fairly strong correlation between varicocele and cardiac and metabolic diseases.
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Bibliography:
- – Erectile dysfunction, testosterone levels and its relationship with the presence of varicocele, Revista Cubana de Urología (2018)
- Robert Preidt - Can varicocele increase heart risks?, MedlinePlus via IntraMed
After varicocele surgery, erectile dysfunction will disappear
After having varicose veins surgery, would erectile diffusion disappear?
Good morning, Jorge. There is no reason for this. We recommend that you consult with your urologist. Best regards.
Does varicocele surgery improve testosterone levels and eliminate erectile dysfunction?
Since I started having varicocele, I have suffered from these two problems.
If chickenpox is operated on, does erectile diffusion disappear?
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Because I had testicular varicose vein surgery, I have not been able to have normal sexual relations. Who can I go to see about that?
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What can I do or go for a check-up?
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