In this article, we will consider methods of treating varicocele. What is this pathology?
Among the diseases that are inherent only to men at any age, varicocele is considered to be especially widespread, or in another way this pathology is called varicose ovarian veins. This disease is formed under the influence of various factors, whether it is congenital, caused by a genetic predisposition, or acquired forms that result from excessive physical exertion. But patients are not so much interested in the main causes of this disease, as the question of whether treatment of varicocele is possible without surgery?
Causes of Varicocele
The main cause of the disease is heredity due to congenital weakness of the vascular walls. Until a certain point, a man may not suspect that he has a given disease until he encounters provocative factors. These are usually:
- Maintaining improper diet.
- The presence of addiction to various bad habits. In this case, the most common cause is the abuse of alcohol and alcohol.
- Management of weak or, conversely, too active sexual activity.
- Maintaining a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle.
How is varicocele manifested
This disease is usually characterized by malnutrition of the testicle, which subsequently can lead to atrophy. Venous vessels that are around the testicle can increase in size and interfere with normal blood outflow. In the absence of therapy at an early stage of the formation of this disease, undesirable consequences are possible, among which infertility is often found along with impotence. Therefore, in the presence of the first signs of varicocele, a man must necessarily undergo a thorough examination with treatment. This disease is characterized by several of the following stages of development. In addition, each of them can manifest itself in its own way:
- At first, no symptoms of the patient bother, even ordinary palpation can not reveal signs of the disease.
- Further, at later stages, dull, and at the same time, pulling pains in the scrotum area usually occur along with a feeling of discomfort and heaviness in it. At the same time, all pain sensations are intermittent and transient in nature, which delays the timely visit of a specialist and the start of treatment for varicocele.
Non-surgical techniques or how to deal with varicocele
The main goal of therapy is the maximum restoration of a normal venous state in a man. Any stage of varicocele should be subjected to mandatory medical intervention. The sooner the patient turns to the doctor and undergoes treatment, the easier it will be to deal with the main factors of this pathology. Treatment directly depends on the results of the examination, in this regard, for making a diagnosis, only a man’s complaints are not enough. Examination of the patient includes not only palpation, but also the procedure for performing ultraviolet radiation of the scrotum along with dopplerography, which is carried out in two stages: in a lying position and then standing.
Treatment of varicocele without surgery is one way to combat this pathology. It should be noted that many experts believe that the first stage of this disease does not require any treatment at all. And in order to eliminate the symptoms, the patient is recommended to follow only some preventive recommendations, which are to normalize the intestines and avoid excessive physical exertion, which can put pressure on the veins. Speaking about non-surgical methods of treating varicocele in men, usually experts imply the following techniques:
- Conducting sclerotherapy.
- Perform embolization.
Sclerotherapy
This procedure is characterized by the introduction into the testicular vein of a component such as sclerosant, which causes fusion of the lumen of the vessel. Against the background of such manipulation, doctors observe the cessation of reverse venous blood flow to the testicle along with the gradual subsidence of the manifestations of the disease. The technique of sclerotherapy is carried out under local anesthesia, thanks to which the patient absolutely does not feel any pain. The advantage of this procedure is that the patient does not need hospitalization, and can return home after sclerotherapy on the same day.
What else does treatment for varicocele suggest?
Therapy embolization
Embolization involves the penetration into the testicular vein of a small thin catheter, due to which an embolization spiral is inserted into it, which blocks blood flow. This procedure consists in first performing a puncture of the right femoral vein. Then a flexible metal conductor is inserted into this vein, through which a special catheter is passed. This catheter initially passes through the femoral vein, and then enters the inferior vena cava, and later into the left renal vein. Using radiopaque substances, doctors carry out the embolization procedure. The benefits of varicocele embolization are:
- This operation is performed under local anesthesia.
- The operation is performed without any cuts on the skin.
- After embolization, there are no cosmetic defects.
- Against the background of embolization, a lower frequency of varicocele recurrence is observed.
- Directly during the procedure, there is no pain.
- The procedure involves a three-day hospitalization.
Which of the non-surgical methods for treating varicocele in men that exists today for men is suitable for a particular patient, only the attending physician determines, which is based on the results of the examination and the clinical picture of this disease.
An excellent effect in the treatment has a massage, which is used as an adjuvant. During the massage, patients are placed in a position against which the pelvis should be in an elevated state. This is necessary to improve blood flow. The massage technique primarily provides for the execution of movements in such a way that they do not provoke and do not cause pain.
Treatment of varicocele in adolescents also suggests this. It will be necessary to revise your daily routine, eat right, exercise physical activity in moderation, wear special underwear.
Surgical Therapy
Despite the widespread, and at the same time, the effectiveness of the non-surgical methods of varicocele treatment considered above, surgical intervention is still required at the last stage of this disease. Thus, the operation is prescribed in the presence of the following factors:
- The development of male infertility.
- The presence of progressive pathological changes in spermogram indicators.
- The appearance of pain in the scrotum, which intensifies during physical exertion.
- The appearance of changes in the consistency of the testis.
- Marked decrease in testicle size.
The operation is carried out by various methods. For example, traditional surgery is used, as well as endoscopic and endovascular techniques. It is important to note that absolutely all surgical options are aimed at removing the affected veins.
Varicocele is also treated with folk remedies.
The use of folk remedies
Treatment with traditional methods traditionally boils down to the use of various medicinal herbs. And a disease such as varicocele is also no exception. Against the background of this pathology, patients are recommended, first of all, those drugs that improve the condition of blood vessels. Alternative treatment for varicocele can be very effective.
Herbs can be used both internally and externally, for example, in the form of compresses and baths. Most often, in the framework of traditional medicine, such agents as oak bark along with lemon, hazel, lemon balm, rosemary and chamomile are used to treat this disease. In addition to these plants, horse chestnut fruits, bitter wormwood, and also yarrow along with a string, white acacia flowers, thyme and mummy have proven themselves in the treatment of varicocele.
Treatment of varicocele in men; treatment without surgery should be supervised by a specialist.
The use of aromatherapy with varicocele
As part of the aromatherapy of this disease, the essential oils of cypress, lime, lemon and lemon balm are widely used. Myrtle, juniper, rosemary, sandalwood, yarrow, thuja and tea tree oils are also suitable. For aromatic lamps, they usually take from three to seven drops of essential oil per 15 square meters of space. About as many drops are used for bathtubs. The number of drops also directly depends on the oil itself and the person's perception of the smell. It should be noted that some aroma may like, but some not. In this case, you should listen to your feelings and sensations, since the body itself knows best what it needs.
Regardless of the treatment technique for varicocele without surgery, it is best that the treatment be comprehensive. In addition to basic medical treatment, it is best to use everything: herbs, oils, and gymnastics. In addition, it is very important not to focus on the problem. Also, one should not expect quick results, since the recovery of the body after non-surgical treatment of this disease can be long.
Next, we consider additional non-surgical methods for treating varicocele symptoms in the form of exercise and massage.
Exercise and massage for varicocele
In the event that it is possible to cure the disease in question without surgical intervention, special physical exercises along with massage of the testicles with varicocele will become a good technique. Such exercises are primarily aimed at stimulating venous cleansing. This gymnastics will contribute to the blood outflow from the venous plexus. Due to the correct physical exertion, a varicocele, which is in an unreleased state, can disappear. So, these exercises require the following actions:
- Standing, you need to stretch on socks just two centimeters from the floor, and then you need to sharply return to its original position. After ten to fifteen repetitions, the patient needs to rest for about ten seconds, and then repeat this complex. This exercise should be performed calmly and slowly. In total, only three sessions in a row will be required. A day you will need to do this exercise no more than sixty times.
- Testicular massage on the background of varicocele is a fairly effective treatment technique, especially in the first and second stages of this disease. A man should lie on his back with a slightly raised pelvis so that there is a natural outflow of blood from the spermatic cord. Massage movements should not be performed very strongly. It is very important not to cause pain with discomfort while touching the testicles. Excessive pressure can lead to additional problems. I must say that in this case it is best to use the service of professional clinical testicular massage.
The use of homeopathy
Treatment of varicocele without surgical intervention with folk remedies is carried out, among other things, with the help of homeopathic preparations. Despite the fact that today they are not classified as traditional medicine, most of these drugs have pronounced therapeutic properties. This allows them to be useful for patients suffering from the first or second degree of varicocele. Thanks to these drugs, men can avoid unpleasant invasive interventions.
The composition of a significant amount of homeopathic remedies contains, as a rule, the roots of plants, or their flowers and leaves, and in addition, products of animal origin. Such drugs provide good service in the framework of postoperative patient care, as they usually favorably affect the state of human immunity. True, homeopathic medicines are strongly recommended not to be used in situations where varicocele does not yet cause any pain.
We examined the symptoms and treatment of varicocele in men. Next, let's talk about the prevention of this ailment.
Varicocele Prevention
In general, in order not to rack your brains in the future regarding how to treat varicocele - in a clinic or at home, you should generally avoid the appearance of this disease. Of course, in some situations this cannot be done, especially in the presence of a genetic predisposition or congenital vascular anomaly. But still it is extremely important to take good care of your health by regularly visiting a doctor.
Visits to a urologist in men should be a certain rule, and not an exception to those. The best prevention of this disease will be an active lifestyle, along with sports, a balanced diet and an orderly sexual life. In addition, men should not wear tight and oppressive underwear.