Transcript Varicocele - Course

Varicocele
What Is It?
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A varicocele is a widening of the veins along the
cord that holds up a man's testicles (spermatic
cord)
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Similar to varicose veins
General Description (don't copy)
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Common cause of low sperm production and
decreased sperm quality
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Healthy veins allow blood to drain from testicle
only, but varicoceles allow blood to flow back
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Can cause infertility
can affect sperm production (possibly
because of temperature change of the testicle)
Usually do not cause harm and are diagnosed
and treated easily
Causes
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Valves in the spermatic cord prevent normal
blood flow
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Varicoceles usually occur in males(duh) form
ages 15-25
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Back-up of blood which causes swelling
Form slowly
A sudden development in an older man could
indicate a kidney tumor
Usually form on left side
Symptoms
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Enlarged, twisted veins in scrotum
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Painless lump on testicle (there can be pain)
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Swelling/bulge in scrotum
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May be NO symptoms
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A doctor may feel the area in an examination to
diagnose it
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More pronounced when standing
Treatment/Prevention
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No specific prevention
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Stay healthy to keep good blood flow
Treatment
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Usually goes away on its own
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Scrotal support (tighter underwear or a jock
strap) may be worn to relieve discomfort
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If needed: surgery which consists of an
incision in the lower abdomen and the tying off
of effected veins
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Varicocele embolization- catheter inserted into
small hole and is used to place a tube to block
blood flow in the effected vein
Complications
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Can cause infertility (unable to produce sperm)
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Complications from treatment:
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Atrophic testis (decrease in testicle size)
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Blood clot formation
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Infection
Questions?
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Review Questions
1.) What is a varicocle?
2.) For who are they most common?
Review Questions
1.) What is a varicocle?
A widening of the veins along the spermatic cord.
2.) For who are they most common?
Males ages 15-25.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH00
02263/