Varicocele
Key points about treatments
A varicocele is a soft lump in your testicles caused by swollen veins. It's usually harmless. But some doctors think that having a varicocele could make it harder for you to have children. There are several treatments that can get rid of a varicocele. But we're not sure whether they'll make it easier for you to have children, and we don't know if they can help with any pain you have.
- You can have an operation to tie off the swollen veins in your testicle.
- Another treatment involves blocking the veins with metal coils or small balloons.
- Doctors can also use injections to seal off the swollen veins.
- Some men with a varicocele have trouble fathering children. But we're not sure whether varicoceles cause fertility problems.
- We don't know if treating a varicocele can help you have children.
- If your varicocele isn't causing any problems, it might be best to wait and see what happens without treatment.
This information was last updated on May 12, 2009
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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