Varicocele (VC) is a common male urological and reproductive system disease, characterized by abnormal dilation, elongation, and tortuosity of the plexus of veins within the spermatic cord. This disease has a high incidence rate among young and middle-aged men, accounting for 10%~15% of the normal male population, and is one of the important reasons for male infertility, accounting for 19%~41% of male infertility.

clinical manifestation

The typical symptoms of varicocele include discomfort, pain, or discomfort in the scrotum, which can radiate to the perineum, lower abdomen, or waist. Symptoms may worsen after prolonged standing or walking fatigue, but may alleviate after lying flat. In addition, it may also cause symptoms such as neurasthenia, sexual dysfunction (such as decreased libido, premature ejaculation, impotence, etc.), testicular atrophy, inguinal hernia, lower limb varicose veins, and hydrocele.

pathogeny

The etiology and pathogenesis of varicocele are not fully understood, but may be related to congenital factors (such as fewer elastic fibers in the vein wall or congenital dysplasia of the vein wall) and acquired factors (such as poor valve structure, venous reflux disorders, etc.). The left spermatic vein valve is more prone to dysfunction, therefore the left spermatic vein is more prone to varicocele.

Latest treatment methods

The treatment methods for varicocele usually include general treatment, medication treatment, and surgical treatment:

General treatment: including lifestyle adjustments, dietary adjustments, and physical therapy. Patients should quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, have a light diet, avoid prolonged sitting, standing, and carrying heavy loads, participate in moderate physical exercise, wear loose and comfortable cotton underwear, and use physical therapies such as scrotal support to alleviate symptoms.

Drug treatment: traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations mainly promotes blood circulation and dissipates blood stasis, which can improve the blood circulation of spermatic cord and testis. Commonly used drugs include saponins (which have anti-inflammatory, anti exudative, and protective effects on collagen fibers in the venous wall) and flavonoids (which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects). In addition, for local pain and discomfort, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be used. For patients with combined reproductive dysfunction and fertility requirements, drugs that improve semen quality can also be used.

Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment is currently the main method for treating varicocele, which can achieve ideal therapeutic effects. Surgical methods include open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and microsurgery. Among them, microsurgical varicocele ligation is considered the gold standard for treating varicocele due to its low recurrence rate and few complications.

In summary, there are various treatment methods for varicocele, and patients should choose the appropriate treatment plan based on their own condition and doctor's advice. Meanwhile, maintaining good lifestyle habits and actively cooperating with treatment are also crucial for the recovery of the disease.