Diagnosed with a varicocele? Know that you’re not alone. Approximately 15-20% of the entire male population suffers from similar symptoms. Also, you would be surprised to know that 40% of infertile men have been diagnosed with varicocele. Although varicocele is not the only cause behind infertility in men, in several cases, it has contributed significantly towards reducing testosterone levels, lowering sperm quality, and disrupting sperm production.
Out of all the issues related to male reproductive health, varicocele is a relatively common condition. From a medical perspective, it is essential to categorize the condition according to its severity, allowing doctors to more easily understand the prevalence of the condition in affected patients.
Varicoceles can be classified into four grades. The condition may not cause any significant difficulties in the initial stages. However, patients must not ignore the symptoms of testicular varicocele and start seeking homeopathic treatment for varicocele as early as possible; otherwise, it can lead to complications like infertility, low testosterone levels, and scrotal discomfort. This blog discusses varicoceles, their grades, and how they affect the reproductive health of men, including natural treatment options.
What Happens In Varicocele?
The body’s artery and vein system transports blood throughout the body. The vein located in the scrotal area is referred to as the “pampiniform plexus.” Varicocele is an abnormal dilatation or inflammation of the pampiniform plexus. The condition is usually diagnosed when patients are seeking medical attention for infertility. Indeed, it is believed to be a curable cause for male infertility. Other complications of the condition include;
- The scrotum appears like a group of worms
- One testicle is larger than the other (mostly the left testicle gets affected)
- Development of an unexplained lump in the testicle
- This lump may or may not cause pain (testicle vein pain)
- The pain can worsen while standing due to the impact of gravity
The above-mentioned problems become more prevalent in the upper grades of the disease. If you are struggling with any of the above-mentioned conditions, consult with your doctor to learn more about the stage of the disease and treatment options. Let us now discuss the classification of varicocele into various grades and the several health complications that these may cause.
What Factors Are Considered When Determining The Grade Of a Varicocele?
In the initial stage, several factors are considered for the grading or staging of varicocele disease. The process involves assessing and diagnosing the severity of the condition. During the examination, the physician primarily focuses on detecting the enlargement present in the testicular veins. The ultrasound evaluation is based on the millimetre dilation of the testicular veins. The diameter of the veins changes with rest and deep breathing, as well as during the Valsalva manoeuvre (deep breathing while holding it). An increase in vein diameter during the Valsalva manoeuvre, indicating a varicocele, occurs due to increased pressure inside the vein.
Varicocele Classification
On the basis of swelling present in the pampiniform plexus vein, the condition can be classified into the following four grades;
Grade 1 ( Subclinical ): It is the earliest stage of the condition. It can be detected only with the help of an ultrasound. It is the earliest stage of the condition and can be detected only with the help of an ultrasound. At this point, the disease does not create any substantial problems, but it should not be ignored because it might advance to more serious stages.
Grade 2 ( Palpable ): A doctor can easily diagnose a grade 2 varicocele through a Valsalva manoeuvre (a breathing technique). The patient can feel the discomfort in the scrotal region. He can also feel the presence of a lump, although it may not be visible.
Grade 3 (Mild): It is considered a mild stage of the condition. A doctor can easily diagnose varicocele without performing a Valsalva manoeuvre. Though the swelling still remains invisible, patients can experience significant discomfort while standing. Sometimes, the varicocele grade 3 effects can also lead to pain.
Grade 4 ( Easily visible): This is the most severe stage of varicocele. Both you and your doctor can clearly see and feel it without the need for any medical equipment. Varicocele grade 4 symptoms include infertility and pain in the testicles. The vessels are visibly enlarged both when lying down and standing, and their calibre increases during Valsalva.
Lifestyle Changes For Varicocele Prevention
Taking precautionary measures is essential to prevent the disease progression.
- Maintaining a healthy BMI
Obesity and excess body weight may lead to several health complications, including varicocele. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is essential through regular exercise and a balanced varicocele diet, as advised by your doctor.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
Excessive sitting or standing increases pressure on the veins in the scrotum, which may lead to varicocele. Integrating physical activity into everyday tasks can help reduce stress and improve circulation.
- Use supportive fabric
Varicocele patients must avoid excessive constriction in undergarments as it might exacerbate the varicocele symptoms. They must opt for clothing choices that provide sufficient ventilation and support, which will help in reducing the pain, too.
- Maintain proper posture
Bad posture may contribute to increased pressure on the veins in the pelvic area, which may further worsen the symptoms. Therefore, maintaining good posture is extremely essential while sitting, standing, or exercising.
Bharat Homeopathy
Bharat Homeopathy, one of the most renowned hospitals for varicocele treatment, provides a modern alternative homeopathic approach to treat varicocele. Our experienced homeopathic doctors assess each case individually in a tailored manner and develop a regimen customized to suit every patient’s specific needs. We aim to improve an individual’s overall health and well-being, rather than just relieving symptoms.
By strengthening the body’s natural defenses, Bharat Homeopathy attempts to manage the underlying cause of varicocele and provides long-lasting treatment without any negative side effects. Utilizing the doctrines of the classical Hahnemann approach, our professionals adopt a patient-centric approach, assuring personalized care tailored to each individual. Our expert and dedicated team of varicocele specialists works collaboratively to devise the best varicocele treatment regimen for each patient. Proper treatment along with homeopathic medicine for varicocele and advice are essential to prevent the varicocele from causing infertility and its further progression.
Varicoceles affect a significant percentage of the population. While the condition can be asymptomatic, some individuals experience pain and discomfort along with some other complications. The intensity of symptoms and how they affect fertility and general health determine how the condition progresses.
