With such a diagnosis as varicose veins, in our time there are many people. A stronger sex can suffer from another variety of this disease. The veins on the testicles in men can also increase, which gives the patient a lot of inconvenience and can cause serious consequences. Consider the causes, symptoms of manifestation, methods of treatment and prevention of pathology.
Nature of the disease
The development of the disease is associated with a weakening of the outflow of blood from the testicles. This occurs as a result of violations of the function of the valve of the veins of the spermatic cord and their increase. This pathology in many cases is called varicocele.
According to statistics, the expansion of veins in the testicles in men can occur at any age. About 10-15% of the stronger sex suffer from the disease.
Causes of the disease
We already learned why the veins in the testicles in men increase. The reasons that contribute to the development of this process are not so few. Among them:
- excessive and constant loads when exercising in the gym;
- performance of work related to physical labor;
- the presence of congenital pathologies of the structure of blood vessels in the testicles;
- the presence of tumors in the pelvic or abdominal cavity;
- frequent constipation;
- prolonged lack of sex life.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of varicose veins of the testicles in men will directly depend on the stage of development of the disease. If at the initial stages the signs of the disease can be completely absent and not disturb the patient, then during the last patient observes the appearance of severe pain and other symptoms. To get a more detailed answer regarding the clinical picture of the disease, we consider each of the stages of its development separately.
initial stage
At this stage, the man still does not notice an increase in veins on the testicles and does not even suspect the development of the disease. The specialist will not reveal the presence of problems during palpation. Circulatory disorders can only be seen with ultrasound.
Second stage
At this stage, the veins in the testicles of men continue to increase. So far it is impossible to determine visually, the man is not worried about pain. Only one symptom may be present - discomfort in the testicles.
During the second stage, the disease can be detected by palpation. In this case, the patient should be in an upright position and strain. In most cases, varicose veins in the testicles in men are detected in this way. This happens during the next preventive examination.
Third stage
The disease develops, and the number of unpleasant symptoms continues to increase. The third stage is characterized by:
- the appearance of slight discomfort during physical activity;
- the occurrence of acute pain with sudden movements, increased load or weight lifting;
- drawing pain when the man is at rest.
The patient may notice a change in the shape of the testicle (in most cases, the left), the appearance of pronounced clusters of veins on it. The enlarged scrotum begins to interfere with walking.
In many cases, the third stage of this type of varicose veins is accompanied by a decrease in libido.
Fourth stage
At the last stage of the disease, it is impossible not to notice the large veins on the testicles in men and the pronounced asymmetry of these glands. In addition to this patient, the pain syndrome, the presence of which no longer depends on physical activity, does not leave.
At this stage, pathological changes in the testicles occur, as a result of which the function of the glands gradually ceases.
Diagnosis of the disease
With an increase in veins on the testicles in men and the appearance of pain in the groin area, you should immediately seek medical help. Using one or more diagnostic methods, a specialist will be able to identify the problem and find a way to get rid of it. Do not self-medicate!
To diagnose testicular varicose veins, the following can be used:
- Ultrasound procedure. It involves the use of dopplerography to assess blood flow. Ultrasound is performed twice. The first time a man will have to be in a horizontal position, the second - in an upright position. If it becomes necessary to obtain additional information, the patient may be prescribed a phlebography.
- Functional tests.
- Feeling
- Visual inspection
If a man’s plans include the conception of a child, he will additionally be assigned an analysis to determine sperm counts.
Disease treatment
If red veins are found on the testicles in men, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment to the patient. It may include:
- drug therapy;
- sclerotherapy;
- hardware massage;
- surgical intervention.
But it is important to remember that in the first place it is necessary to identify the cause of the problem and get rid of it.
Sclerotherapy and apparatus massage
A hardware massage can be prescribed to the patient in the case when he has swelling of the scrotum.
Sclerotherapy involves the intravenous administration of drugs to treat venous expansion in the advanced stages of the disease.
These methods of therapy are, rather, auxiliary. In most cases, getting rid of the pathology is carried out by taking medication or surgery.
Drug therapy
This type of treatment is carried out in cases where there is no need for surgical intervention. To prevent complications and accelerate the body's recovery processes, the patient may be prescribed:
- "Triovit";
- Vitamax
- grape seed oil.
Pentoxifylline-based drugs are also taken. This group of drugs is able to affect the microcirculation in tissues. These include:
- Trental;
- "Agapurin";
- Orbiflex.
In this case, it is very important to follow the scheme prescribed by the specialist, and not to change the course of treatment at your discretion.
In order to prevent further development of the disease, the doctor may prescribe the use of venoprotectors. The most popular remedies from this group are:
- ginkgo biloba;
- "Aescusan";
- Detralex
Surgical intervention
As a rule, with the help of surgical intervention, the third and fourth stages of the disease are treated. Also indications for this type of therapy are:
- severe pain syndrome;
- deviations from the norm of spermogram results;
- the failure of drug treatment and other types of therapy;
- in adolescence - the cessation of testicular growth.
There are several types of surgical intervention that are performed to treat veins in the testicles in men:
- Open. The name of the operation known among urologists is according to Ivanissevich. As practice shows, despite its widespread prevalence, this type of surgical intervention is ineffective in comparison with all others. Relapses of the disease after such an operation occur quite often.
- From mini-access (according to Marmar). This is a modified form of the operation of Ivanissevich. In this case, surgery is performed through a small incision, the length of which is about 2-3 centimeters.
- Laparoscopic (endoscopic). During such an operation, all actions are carried out under observation using a micro camera. All necessary tools and equipment are introduced to the patient through tubes into the abdominal cavity. The occurrence of relapses of the disease in this case is possible only in cases when one of the branches remains untied. Therefore, special attention is paid to the technique of surgical intervention. As for postoperative complications, they can manifest themselves in the form of dropsy of the testicle.
- Microsurgical revascularization. This method of surgical intervention is considered the most effective. The cost of its implementation is in the range of 40-60 thousand rubles. The essence of microsurgical revascularization is that the surgeon transplantes the testicular vein into another, larger one. Probably, it is not worth saying that this is a jewelry work that requires high professionalism of a doctor.
After any type of surgical intervention, a man expects a recovery period.
Consequences of the disease
It is best to start treatment for the disease at the earliest stages of its development. If even the slightest discomfort appears, not to mention severe pain, you need to seek help from a specialist. We will clarify that the treatment is carried out by a urologist. Otherwise, a number of different complications may occur.
The disease is not deadly, but if it is present, the risk of tissue rupture with testicular injuries significantly increases.
Another serious consequence of the pathology is a violation of the process of sperm formation, their development and growth due to the lack of normal blood circulation. All this leads to the development of infertility. Statistics show that about 40% of men experience this complication of testicular varicose veins!
Other complications of varicocele include:
- the development of the inflammatory process in the testicles;
- loss of sexual function;
- thrombophlebitis;
- the development of cancer.
Preventative measures
Everyone knows that it is much easier to avoid a problem than to deal with its consequences later. Especially when it comes to your own health. Protecting yourself from testicular varicose veins is not so difficult. Just follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid heavy physical exertion.
- Do not lift weights.
- Take care of the normal functioning of the intestines. It is important to remember that with constipation there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, as well as blood pressure in the pelvic organs.
- Eat a healthy diet. This rule implies the exclusion from the diet of too fatty, heavy, salty foods. Instead, it is better to add more fruits, vegetables, greens to your menu.
- Drink enough purified water. Green tea also helps prevent vascular problems.
- Minimize the use of alcoholic beverages, stop smoking.
- Have a regular sex life, avoid prolonged abstinence.
It is also important to undergo preventive examinations by a urologist in order to timely notice the occurrence of a problem and get rid of it in the initial stages.