Natural Treatment for Grade 3 Bilateral Varicocele
- On 03/09/2025
What is grade 3 varicocele, its causes, symptoms and tests
Varicocele is an abnormal expansion of the testicular veins (spermatic vein, pampiniform plexus), similar to that seen in the lower limbs, i.e., a testicular varicose vein. It is usually seen on the left side. In 90% of cases, it can be found on the left testicle and in 8 to 10% of cases, it is present in both testicles. In a varicocele, the quantity of sperm decreases and their quality deteriorates, leading to infertility. This disease is often seen in young people, however, it can also be rare in children (1%). It is estimated that this condition affects approximately 15% of boys aged 13 to 15.
In cases of varicocele in individuals under 17-18 years of age, a semen analysis is not required since sperm production is not yet fully mature; a simple assessment can determine the need for surgery. If testicular atrophy occurs following surgery during childhood, the testicle may regain its normal size over time. However, a reduction in size in adults does not recover after surgery.
What are the etiology causes of varicocele III
The origin of this disease is not fully understood. Different hypotheses have been put forward to understand the cause of varicocele, which could be summarized as follows:
The exact cause of varicocele is not precisely determined.
It appears mainly during puberty (adolescence).
It is often observed on the left side (for anatomical reasons).
Insufficient valves in the veins (failing veins).
Risk Factors for Varicocele
There are no specific risk factors for developing varicocele. However, some known risk factors include:
Standing for long periods of time can be a risk factor.
A predisposition is observed in those with varicose veins of the lower extremities (legs).
Varicocele can be genetic (inherited). It is 3 to 8 times more common in first-degree relatives with varicocele.
What are the symptoms (patient complaints)?
Varicocele rarely causes symptoms. Many patients seek medical help due to difficulty conceiving after marriage, and it is usually at this stage that the condition is identified. Sometimes, they seek medical help due to complaints of palpable and observable vascular enlargement in the scrotum or pain, especially when standing for long periods. Here are the most common symptoms of varicocele:
Pain: Symptoms are rare or nonexistent in varicocele. Very rarely, pain may occur, especially after standing for long periods. This pain is usually mild, appearing as a dull ache. Occasionally, it can be more intense and manifest as a feeling of heaviness. The pain increases with prolonged standing or physical activity and decreases when lying down.
Infertility: Fertility is negatively affected in varicocele, leading toinfertility. Since these patients are usually young men, they seek medical help after marriage when they cannot have children.
Scrotal swelling: Varicocele is a progressive condition; varicose veins enlarge and become visible over time. The veins become prominent and surround the testicle like a warm pocket, mainly on the left side.
What are the possible consequences of an untreated varicocele?
A varicocele isn't a life-or-death condition, but if left untreated, it could cause serious long-term complications. Without treatment, the following complications may occur:
Testicular atrophy: A reduction in testicular size can occur due to increased pressure and toxins in the veins, especially in cases of long-standing high-grade varicoceles. This can lead to sexual problems (impotence, erectile dysfunction) in men, in addition to infertility.
Infertility: Due to increased heat and toxins, sperm production, mobility, and function are impaired, causing infertility. Microscopic surgery significantly improves infertility problems.
Sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction): After a long period of time, if testicular atrophy (reduction in size) and hormonal disorders associated with varicocele have developed, sexual dysfunction may be observed.
Premature ejaculation: Some studies have reported that varicocele may cause premature ejaculation.
Varicocele Examination (Diagnosis)
The varicocele assessment should be performed in the upright position. In varicocele cases, dilated veins are particularly common on the left side. In minor cases of varicocele, enlarged veins are detected by asking the patient to cover their mouth and nose while increasing intra-abdominal pressure (Valsalva maneuver). If these veins are not identified during the physical examination, they can be observed using Doppler ultrasound
What are the grades (stages) of varicocele during examination and treatment?
The grades are used to indicate the degree of the disease, i.e., the enlargement of the veins.
This classification is determined during an outpatient examination and is divided into three grades:
Grade 1: Varicocele detected upon palpation after the patient closes their mouth and nose in a standing position and pushes.
Grade 2: Mild varicocele visible upon examination in a standing position, which becomes more evident with exertion.
Grade 3: Varicocele visible without exertion during an outpatient examination, which becomes even more evident with exertion.
What are the treatments and surgeries for varicocele?
Can a varicocele disappear? The answer is yes. However, the results of natural varicocele treatment are unconvincing. Patients have two options:
Varicocele management by surgery;
Embolization (blocking the vein) of the varicocele.
In the first case, surgery, the affected testicular veins are ligated. This can be performed after opening a cut at or above the groin crease, or by laparoscopy. Most often, anesthesia is general, but the operation is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient must then avoid all physical activity for a month.
In the second case, embolization (the affected vein(s) are blocked), varicocele treatment is performed under local anesthesia and only requires 24 to 48 hours of rest. A catheter is inserted into the affected vein and blocked with biological glue or micro-springs. Treatment of varicocele by embolization is generally reserved for recurrences after surgical treatment.
What are the preventive measures for varicocele?
There are no specific preventive measures to adopt to avoid the development of a varicocele.