Is asymptomatic infertility possible?

The problem of the male factor in the infertility of married couples occupies a leading position. There are many reasons leading to this pathology. Since the disease is progressive and is diagnosed in most cases after changes in the composition of the sperm.

Relevance

Every fifth couple is faced with infertility in the modern world. Previously, it was believed that the leading factor is the female body. These are previous abortions, inflammatory diseases, as well as endocrine disorders. Rarely, but can occur, immunological incompatibility of a pair. But recently, the percentage of the male factor in sterile marriages has also been growing. One of the fairly common reasons that contribute to the development of this pathology is varicocele.

Etiology

Varicocele is a varicose vein plexus in the spermatic cord. Very often, this problem remains unrecognized, especially if the planning of the child does not occur. There are no visible symptoms or changes in function. Only in the absence of pregnancy, when diagnosing the cause, varicocele is diagnosed.

This disease usually occurs for no particular reason. Most often this is a genetic predisposition associated with insufficient elasticity of the vascular wall. This pathology appears already among young people, it gradually progresses throughout life. In the beginning, many men are not worried about how varicocele affects infertility. More worried about young men about how varicocele affects potency.

There are several factors in the development of infertility with varicocele. First of all, this is a violation of the normal blood flow, inadequate blood circulation occurs, the venous valves do not work. Accordingly, the proper blood resistance will not be created.

Venous blood accumulates in the tissues of the testicle, it is poor in oxygen, so metabolic processes in it are much worse

In advanced stages, varicocele develops tissue ischemia. In addition, stagnation of blood contributes to an increase in temperature in the testicles. For normal spermatogenesis, a low temperature in the organs of the scrotum is required. Sperm survival decreases with an increase in body temperature by at least one degree. As a result of inadequate blood flow, free radicals accumulate in the tissues. They disrupt or completely interfere with normal sperm production. The formed male reproductive cells often cannot function properly.

Diagnostics

The disease is absolutely asymptomatic. The initial stages can be diagnosed only after the results of laboratory and instrumental methods. It is impossible to detect the first degree by palpation, it is determined only by an ultrasound diagnostic specialist. Moreover, the erection does not suffer and the man is in no hurry to see a specialist. Other stages can already be diagnosed by palpation.

Usually, when standing, an uviform seal is palpable

In doubtful cases, the Valsalva test is used, it is recommended to push for it and at the moment begin palpation. If it is impossible to make a diagnosis as accurately as possible, a non-invasive method is used, with an ultrasound examination of the tissues of the scrotum, the vessels passing through it. It is better if a Doppler study is added to this method, it allows you to assess not only the volume of blood vessels, but also the degree of blood flow, to determine the degree of its impairment.

Testicular varicose veins and sexual arousal

Most men ask a doctor about the consequences of sexual activity. Does varicocele affect potency? Doctors have now established that erectile function does not suffer when a varicocele is diagnosed. But, some symptoms may appear that cause discomfort during intercourse. The length of the penis, both in a calm state and during the onset of an erection, does not decrease.

But minor pulling pains may appear, which may appear during hard physical work or before ejaculation

As a result, after a man experiences discomfort, the quality of erection changes. He can make gentle movements that will not allow him to experience the usual sensations. Varicocele does not affect the time of intercourse, men gradually adapt to the emerging discomfort and try not to pay attention. Impotence arising against the background of varicose veins, as the theory is denied. Varicocele and potency, as well as varicocele and erectile dysfunction, concepts that are only partially related.

Treatment

Begin treatment with non-drug methods. There is a need to limit physical activity, reduce weight lifting, eliminate sports such as weightlifting, etc. Eliminate straining, as well as normalize the stool.Varicocele has a great influence on potency, and regular sexual activity also plays a role in reducing the progression of the disease.

In the early stages of detection of varicocele, the use of a surgical method is limited. If a predisposition is determined and the conception of children is planned in the future, then venotonic drugs are used to improve the condition of the vascular wall. For some time they contribute to a less rapid development of the process. But they cannot cure the disease. Funds are accepted in courses several times a year.

If the pathological process is already expressed, then the only method of elimination is surgical

In most cases, it consists in the complete removal of the testicular vein. The impact on other areas is minimal. One of the simplest techniques is open surgery. It is carried out by means of an incision in the scrotum and ligation of the varicose vein. It is indicated at any stage of the pathological process. But most often the disease recurs after this method of treatment.

One of the most popular methods is vein ligation through the laparoscopic approach. The method is very popular due to the fact that no incisions are made on the organs, access is carried out due to punctures on the skin. When displaying an image on the screen, an enlarged image is provided. Rehabilitation takes much less time than open access. Rarely, but relapses do occur.

Currently there is another way of varicocelectomy

It is carried out using microsurgical access. This method is successful due to the fact that it is carried out under the sight of a microscope. In this way, a more accurate ligation of the venous plexus is carried out. As a result, there is no deterioration in the work of other nerves and blood vessels. Traumatism during this operation is minimal, since the access is almost invisible. The advantage of this method is that the frequency of relapse is almost reduced to zero. But, there is a huge disadvantage in that the operation is feasible at the earliest stages. And this, in turn, is possible rarely, since the disease is detected at later stages.

One of the additional methods is also the removal of the varicose vein of the testicle by revascularization. At present, no relapses have been recorded after this type of surgery. Men should never self-medicate, but see a doctor as soon as possible. After all, even a predisposition to varicose veins can lead to diseases like varicocele and other pathologies.