Male Infertility and Varicocele : A Rising Issue

Did you know that over 7% of all males suffer from infertility? Did you know that male infertility in India is one of the fastest-growing conditions? Male infertility refers to the inability of a male to adequately produce sperm for conception along with his partner. In India, male infertility is on the rise owing to the changing lifestyle conditions combined with increased stress levels. Varicocele is one of the most common reasons for infertility in males. Varicocele can lead to reduced sperm count which can result in difficulty while trying to conceive  Read this article to know everything on the connection between Varicocele and the rising levels of infertility in males.

Varicocele Is One Of The Leading Causes Of Infertility

Varicocele refers to an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. It could occur due to the compression of a vein from a nearby structure. It is a very common condition on the rise with over 10 million cases per year in India alone. Varicocele is a prolonged condition that may last through the years or even be lifelong. Although this condition is very common, very few people are actually aware of it and seek medical assistance for the same. Symptoms of this condition can range from the obvious swelling or testicular lump, pain and sometimes there might not be any symptoms at all. Varicocele however can result in low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, leading to infertility.

Varicocele’s Impact On Fertility- Is There A Link?

To put it simply, Yes. Varicocele does have a link with fertility and studies have shown that it results in a decreased sperm count and also reduces sperm quality making conception among couples a lot harder. As a result of testicular damage caused by this condition, there can be a significant impact on one’s fertility. It also results in distorted sperm shape giving rise to decreased sperm motility. In some cases, Varicocele can also impact the testosterone levels having an adverse result on your sexual life. Infertility rates among those with varicoceles are proven to be higher than those without them. This difference in this ability may be because varicoceles interfere with the body’s ability to make and store sperm. If you and you and your partner are unable to conceive, consider looking into the possibility of Varicocele.

Is Varicocele A Lifelong Condition And Can I Treat It?

Although Varicocele can be a lifelong condition, there are several cures and several options to help treat it. Studies have shown that those men who have obtained any form of treatment for varicocele have a higher chance of conceiving with their partner as opposed to those who sought no treatment at all.  The first step towards curing varicocele is identifying it and early diagnosis. Not all cases of Varicocele need some form of treatment, however, if you are experiencing lower sperm count, you should consider treatment options. If you are looking to get treated, you should acquaint yourself with the various treatment options. There are typically two treatment options available to men suffering from this condition, The first one being Embolization and the second one being Surgery.

Embolization is a surgery that temporarily cuts off the blood supply. The doctor, with the assistance of a needle, accesses the scrotum to block the varicocele. This treatment may assist you to improve some of the symptoms relating to the condition and can help increase the sperm count and even sperm quality. However, this procedure may not always be effective and you might have to resort to other methods. The second option is a surgery where the doctor will cut off supply to the damaged vein. This surgery is called a varicocelectomy and offers a far higher success rate as opposed to embolization. Research has suggested that surgery can increase the sperm count, on average, from 2.4 to 11.6 million per milliliter. Therefore, surgery can be a great option if you are looking to improve your fertility levels effectively.

Fertility Dost is India’s leading platform for infertility. Our range of programs works towards providing you with a holistic approach to all your problems. Our range of Ayurvedic treatments combination with yoga and emotional wellness sessions allow you to cope with Infertility all while being in the best hands.

What Lifestyle Changes Can I Follow To Help Control My Varicocele And Improve Fertility?

Just as in the case of any other health condition, there are several lifestyle changes that you can follow to help control the condition and thereby boost Fertility. There are certain tried and tested improvements that you could make to help improve your condition and thereby increasing the chances of conception. Simple lifestyle changes include the following:

• Reducing Alcohol and Cigarette Intake: Studies have shown that those who consume alcohol and smoke are more likely to suffer from infertility as a result of varicocele. Cutting back can help you improve the condition and also sperm count and quality.
• Nutritious Diet: A nutritious diet is an essential part of every recovery journey. Cutting back on processed foods and including higher quantities of fresh and vitamin-rich foods can not only help with the symptoms but can also help improve sperm quality.
• Reduction of Caffeine: Caffeine can be a major deterrent when it comes to Fertility. Cutting back on your intake can help ease symptoms and also boost sperm motility.
• A healthy physical exercise routine: A proper physical exercise routine in the form of yoga, walking/jogging, or resistance training can help build endurance, improve the overall functioning of the reproductive system and also improve sperm quality.

Apart from this, targeted yoga can not only help relieve pain associated with varicocele but also help improve fertility by increasing the efficiency of the reproductive organs. Special Ayurvedic and naturopathic concoctions took in consultation with a specialist are also said to relieve all symptoms associated with the condition. A positive outlook and emotional wellness can also help you drastically through your journey to conception.

If you believe that you are suffering from Varicocele or are displaying any symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor at the earliest for an accurate diagnosis. Reach out to us at fertility dost to assist you through your journey of infertility treatment. Do you want to know more about our programs? Contact us now to book your first free consultation call now!

*Sources:

Medical News Today

NCBI