Varicocele

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A varicocele (VAR-i-ko-sel) is a condition where the veins (blood vessels) in the scrotum are dilated (widened). The scrotum is the sac that holds the testicles, which produce sperm and hormones. A varicocele is the most common cause of infertility in men as it affects how sperm are produced. It is usually found more on the left testicle than on the right testicle. A varicocele occurs when the valves (door-like stoppers) within the veins in the scrotum do not work properly. The abnormal valves prevent normal blood flow and cause blood to backup, which dilates and enlarges the veins.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms include a mass or swelling on the scrotum that usually feels like a bag of worms. Enlarged and twisted veins may also be present. .A physical examination may determine if you have a varicocele. Diagnostic tests may include a scrotal ultrasound, semen analysis, and spermatic venography. Treatment includes surgery to repair the varicocele or a percutaneous embolization. With treatment, a varicocele may be cured, and its symptoms relieved.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Bathing: When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash your stitches or staples with soap and water. Afterwards, put on a clean, new bandage. Change your bandage any time it gets wet or dirty. If you cannot reach the bandage, ask someone else to help you change it. You may have steri-strips (thin strips of tape) on your incision. Keep them clean and dry. As they start to peel off, let them fall off by themselves. Do not pull them off.

Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

For more information: Contact any of the following:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine
  1209 Montgomery Highway
  Birmingham, AL 35216-2809
  Phone: 1-205-978-5000
  Web Address: http://www.asrm.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have pain in the groin area that does not go away.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• You feel very full and cannot burp or vomit (throw up).
  
  
• You have pus or a foul-smelling odor coming from your incision.
  
  
• You have severe (bad) chest or shoulder pain and trouble breathing all of a sudden.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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