What is a varicocele?
A varicocele is a medical disorder that describes a collection of dilated or enlarged veins in the scrotum. There are many small veins that drain blood away from the scrotum into the blood circulation. Sometimes these veins get blocked and congestion of blood results. Over time, these veins become engorged and are known as Varicoceles. Varicoceles are the same thing as varicose veins on the legs. When Varicoceles become large, one may be able to feel them – this sensation is often described as a “bag of worms”
Which scrotum is most affected with Varicoceles?
Varicoceles can occur in both scrotums. but generally are more common on the left side.
Why does a varicocele develop?
Blood flow in veins occurs only in one direction. To prevent back flow, veins have tiny valves. When these valves become defective or fail to close properly, blood starts to pool and collect downstream. This leads to congestion of veins leading to Varicoceles. It is believed that defective valves are the most common cause of Varicocele in young males.
The small veins from the scrotum drain into larger veins of the body. Often, if there is a cancer or a mass, which compresses the large veins, this can lead to engorgement of small veins downstream. In the left scrotum, cancers of kidney can often cause development of Varicoceles. This is more common in middle-aged males.
Showing posts with label varicoceles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label varicoceles. Show all posts
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Varicoceles and Fertility 101
What is a varicocele?
A varicocele is a collection of enlarged (dilated) veins (blood vessels) in the scrotum. These dilated veins which drain the testicle are often referred to as a bag of worms. Varicoceles usually occur just above the testicles, generally more common on the left side, but can occur on both sides.
Why do Varicoceles develop?
A varicocele develops because of defective valves that are present in the small veins that drain the blood away from the testes. The defective/damaged valves allow for blood to flow back into the testes and lead to engorgement of the veins. Normally the function of these valves is to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. Over time, blood engorgement is progressive and leads to formation of a varicocele. Defective valves are the most common cause of Varicoceles in most young males. Why defective valves occur in anyone’s guess. They do not occur because of excess sex and bear no relation to sexually transmitted disease.
Sometimes, a varicocele may develop if there is a blockage of larger veins in the kidney and this may cause blockage of smaller veins in the testis. This is more common in older men and the cause is usually a cancer.
FOR MORE ON VARICOCELES Visit www.sbmedexmed.blogspot.com
A varicocele is a collection of enlarged (dilated) veins (blood vessels) in the scrotum. These dilated veins which drain the testicle are often referred to as a bag of worms. Varicoceles usually occur just above the testicles, generally more common on the left side, but can occur on both sides.
Why do Varicoceles develop?
A varicocele develops because of defective valves that are present in the small veins that drain the blood away from the testes. The defective/damaged valves allow for blood to flow back into the testes and lead to engorgement of the veins. Normally the function of these valves is to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. Over time, blood engorgement is progressive and leads to formation of a varicocele. Defective valves are the most common cause of Varicoceles in most young males. Why defective valves occur in anyone’s guess. They do not occur because of excess sex and bear no relation to sexually transmitted disease.
Sometimes, a varicocele may develop if there is a blockage of larger veins in the kidney and this may cause blockage of smaller veins in the testis. This is more common in older men and the cause is usually a cancer.
FOR MORE ON VARICOCELES Visit www.sbmedexmed.blogspot.com
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