A varicocele is a dilation of the veins in the spermatic cord, located inside the scrotum, which drains blood from the testicle. This dilation increases temperature in the genital area, negatively impacting sperm production and quality by reducing sperm count. As a result, varicocele can impair male fertility by affecting sperm function.

What Are the Symptoms?

While some men with varicocele experience no symptoms, others may notice:

✅ Mild to severe pain in the testicle.
✅ Increased pain when standing or engaging in physical activity.
✅ Pain relief when lying down.
✅ Fertility issues due to reduced sperm quality.
✅ Over time, the varicocele may enlarge and become visible as a lump on the testicle.

How Does Varicocele Impact Fertility?

Varicocele can impair fertility in several ways:

🔹 Increased Scrotal Temperature – Venous reflux raises scrotal temperature by 1-2°C, disrupting sperm development.
🔹 Oxidative Stress – Lowers sperm vitality and motility, damaging sperm DNA integrity.
🔹 Testicular Hypoxia – Lack of oxygen and obstruction of the deferent ducts can hinder sperm circulation.

Not all varicoceles cause fertility issues or discomfort. A specialist evaluation is necessary to determine the impact and best course of treatment.

How Can You Increase the Chances of Pregnancy?

At Sakalli IVF, we offer advanced fertility treatments to address male factor infertility, often bypassing the need for varicocele surgery.

Factors to Consider Before Opting for Varicocele Surgery:

💡 Surgery is a personal decision and is recommended only when it offers clear benefits for fertility. Important factors include:

✅ Normal FSH Levels – Indicating healthy sperm production potential.
✅ Spermiogram Results – Showing >5 million sperm/ml with no major quality issues.
✅ Normal Testicular Size – Suggesting no testicular atrophy due to varicocele.
✅ Partner’s Age & Ovarian Reserve – A partner under 36 years old with good ovarian reserve improves fertility success.

🔹 Recovery from varicocele surgery takes at least 6 months, and fertility improvements vary from person to person.

Conclusion

Varicocele surgery is recommended only when clear evidence supports its positive impact on fertility. If the prognosis does not indicate significant benefits, it may be better to consider assisted reproductive treatments like IVF or ICSI instead of surgery.

📞 Have Concerns About Varicocele & Fertility?

If you’re concerned about varicocele and its impact on fertility, contact Sakalli IVF today for expert guidance and personalized care. Let us help you on your journey to parenthood.