They can grow larger and you may notice them more over time. Varicoceles are more common on the left side of the scrotum. This is because the male anatomy is not the same on both sides. Varicoceles can exist on both sides at the same time, but this is rare.

Similarly, What is bilateral varicocele grade1?

Diagnosis. There are three grades of varicocele: Grade 1: The smallest type, this is not visible, but a physician can feel it if they use a Valsalva maneuver. Grade 2: This is not visible, but it can be felt without a Valsalva maneuver. Grade 3: The varicocele is visible.

Additionally, Can left varicocele cause right varicocele? Left testicle pain is one of the most common symptoms of a varicocele. In rare cases, though, you may experience a varicocele on the right side.

Why is left sided varicocele more common?

Varicoceles are more common on the left for anatomical reasons: The angle at which the left testicular vein enters the left renal vein. Lack of effective valves between the testicular and renal veins. Increased reflux from compression of the renal vein (between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta).

What can cause a right-sided varicocele?

The etiology of a right-sided varicocele includes impairment of the venous drainage of the pampiniform plexus by venous thrombosis, tumor invasion, or extrinsic compression by an intraabdominal tumor [3].

Does Grade 1 varicocele affect fertility?

Even men with grade 1 varicocele have a sperm count about 20% lower than men without the condition. “Many of the men with varicocele — about 55% — had semen quality that would indicate a risk of increased time to pregnancy or even infertility,” Dr Joensen reported.

What are grades in varicocele?

Varicoceles can be classified as Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 varicoceles. Grade 1 and 2 varicoceles are not visible but can be detected during a physical examination by the doctor, while a Grade 3 varicocele easily identifiable. Depending on the grade of varicocele present, some individuals may not require treatment.

What is the best treatment for varicocele?

Open surgical ligation, performed by a urologist, is the most common treatment for symptomatic varicoceles. Varicocele embolization, a nonsurgical treatment performed by an interventional radiologist, is as effective as surgery with less risk, less pain and less recovery time.

How common is right sided varicocele?

Isolated varicoceles occur on the right side only in rare cases. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of unilateral right-sided varicoceles (URVs) in only 1.5%–3% of affected patients [4], [10].

What happens if varicocele is left untreated?

Left untreated, they can cause testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles). There is also a strong association between varicoceles and male infertility. Varicoceles have been linked with decreases in sperm count and motility and increases in the number of deformed and ineffective sperm.

How should I sleep with varicocele?

Lie down as much as you can for the first 24 hours. Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. After the first day, try to walk each day.

Why are varicose veins more common in left leg?

Due to the way the blood is pumped from the heart, there are more veins in the left leg. Therefore, the odds of a varicose vein are more likely.

Which side varicocele is bad?

Approximately 95 percent of all varicoceles occur on the left side. The reason it occurs more often on the left, causing left testicle pain, is related to the position of the left testicular vein. The left testicular vein is positioned at an angle that may make it difficult for blood to travel.

Can varicocele disappear naturally?

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Varicoceles are large, twisted veins that drain blood from the testicles. They are much like varicose veins of the leg. Most often, they occur after puberty on the left side of the scrotum. Once a varicocele is present, it will not go away on its own.

Can kidney problems cause varicocele?

Very rarely a large tumour of the left kidney cab block the Renal Vein and cause a varicocele. In this case the varicocele usually appears quite suddenly and is painful.

Can you get pregnant with a varicocele?

Here’s the good news: varicocele infertility is treatable, and it’s possible for a couple to become pregnant after treatment. After varicocele surgery, varicoceles may recur in about 10% of men and up to 30-50% of couples will become pregnant.

Can small varicocele affect fertility?

The main concern with varicoceles is that the bulge of veins may damage sperm and lower sperm count. In those individuals with an average sperm count, a varicocele is unlikely to cause infertility.

Does varicocele repair improve fertility?

There is no proof that fertility rates improve after this surgery. But some doctors think that larger varicoceles are linked to sperm problems. It is also possible that varicocele surgery would improve the semen quality, making other fertility treatments easier.

How do you grade a varicocele?


There are three grades of varicocele:

  1. Grade I: able to be felt only when the patient is straining (valsalva maneuver)
  2. Grade II: able to be felt at rest, but not visible.
  3. Grade III: clearly visible on exam.

What is a grade 2 varicocele?

Grade 0 – Thread/Flare or Reticular veins – these are small red or blue veins (less than. 3mm in diameter). Grade 1 – Varicose veins without symptoms. Grade 2 – Varicose veins with uncomplicated symptoms (some pain, aching, heaviness.

How big is a grade 3 varicocele?

Of patients with grade 3 varicoceles, a mean of 1.8 (+/-1.8) small veins, 4.6 (+/-2.3) medium veins, 1.0 (+/-0.75) large veins, and 6.9 (+/-2.6) total veins were ligated. Using analysis of variance, the grade 3 varicoceles had significantly more large veins than did grade 1 varicoceles (P <0.05).

How can I get rid of varicocele without surgery?

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is an effective alternative to surgery for the treatment of varicocele. The procedure can be carried out with only a small incision or nick in the skin and it does not require any sutures.

What is the natural way to cure varicocele?

Some believe that Kegel exercises can help in alleviating the symptoms of varicocele. These are easy-to-do pelvic exercises that, when done consistently, can improve and restore muscle tone and blood flow. They are thought to relieve issues like incontinence and varicoceles.

How can I reduce varicocele?


How can I treat a varicocele at home?

  1. No treatment: If a varicocele doesn’t bother you or cause fertility problems, you may not need treatment.
  2. Routine changes: You may choose to avoid certain activities that trigger discomfort. …
  3. Ice: Applying cold packs to the scrotum may help you feel better.