Treatment of varicocele: medication or surgery? Alternative and exercise

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

Stage 1 disorders do not require special treatment.

It is important for a man to monitor his state of health, the health of the urinary system and genital tract.

Surgery is performed in the case of

• If one testicle is larger than the other
• In the presence of varicocele on both sides
• When there is a reduced number of healthy sperm
• In case of scrotal swelling, pain and discomfort in the scrotum

Surgical treatment options

Surgery using a small incision on the abdomen, above the groin, to interrupt the dilated veins. The disadvantage is the possible return of varicocele and the development of hydrocele.

Laparoscopic surgery with subsequent closure of the vessels using titanium clips. Due to poor access to the choroidal veins and the higher burden on the patient, this is the most invasive treatment.

Sclerotization of the testicular veins antegrade. A substance is injected into the spermatic vein through a small incision at the root of the penis away from the testicle. This method is little used because varicocele often recurs.

Sclerotisation of the testicular veins by retrograde puncture in the groin. A catheter is inserted through the veins into the testicular veins. A substance is injected into their lumens to close the veins.

Microsurgical varicocelectomy is one of the least burdensome procedures using surgery.

It is possible to return to normal life approximately 2 days after surgery if you avoid physically demanding work and activity for 2-4 weeks.

From the 3rd month after surgery, the spermogram is also adjusted due to the duration of sperm production, which is up to 72 days.

After varicocele treatment, the possibility of spontaneous fertilization is 3-4 times higher.

Alternative treatment

Treatment using folk medicine is multifaceted. It includes various herbal teas and preparations from them, exercises, massage, aromatherapy and the use of homeopathic remedies.

Exercises to improve blood flow

Stand up straight, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise yourself up on your tiptoes a few inches (2 cm) off the floor and come back down sharply. Practice in sets of three, first ten times and eventually thirty times with a ten-second break, at least twice a day.

The next exercise is the forward bend. Stand up and bring your feet together. Slowly bend forward so that the toes touch the floor. Slowly come back down. Practice twice a day for 10 repetitions.

Stand upright, relax your muscles and begin to shake each part of your body in turn from your head, neck, arms, chest to your legs. Then begin to shake your body in the opposite direction from your legs to your head. This exercise helps to release muscle tension and blood flow to the delicate veins.

Stand up and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise one arm up, parallel to your head, and keep the other arm lowered along your body. Try to pull your arm up as high as possible, palm up towards the ceiling, and switch hands.

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend knees slightly and bring pelvis forward. Lift pelvis up and then lower it down. Upper body should remain still and move only pelvis. Alternate tension with relaxation.

Healthy diet and elimination of harmful substances

Adequate amounts of protein, vegetable oils, vitamin E and zinc are needed to nourish the veins, blood vessels and male reproductive system.

Include in your diet more vegetables (parsley, spinach, celery, leafy greens, carrots, cucumbers, etc.), fruits (citrus fruits, avocados), nuts, chicken and quail eggs, beef and chicken, seeds, seafood.

For sweetening you can use honey, dark chocolate or dried fruit (especially dates, plums, apricots).

Homeopathic remedies are also available to promote proper blood circulation in the veins, such as Boiron Hamamelis Virginiana, Hamamelis Virginiana gra HOM and others.

Avoid harmful foods such as:

• Alcohol
• Salt
• Smoked and canned foods
• Fried foods, cream and sweets
• Foods high in preservatives and other additives that extend the shelf life of food
• Beverages containing fructose