Varicocele: Diagnosis and Solutions at Andrología Málaga

A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of the veins in the scrotum that can cause pain and affect male fertility. At Andrología Málaga, we have specialists who provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments to improve your reproductive health and relieve discomfort.

Do you have varicocele?

A varicocele is a fairly common condition in men involving the dilation of scrotal veins, similar to the varicose veins that appear in the legs. It affects approximately 15% of the male population and often causes no symptoms, meaning it can go unnoticed.

However, when discomfort does occur, men frequently experience pain or a sensation of heaviness in the testicle, particularly after standing for long periods or at the end of the day. Additionally, a varicocele can influence sperm production and hormone levels, potentially affecting a man’s fertility and reproductive health.

At Andrología Málaga, Dr. Rodrigo España and his team possess extensive experience in diagnosing and treating varicoceles, offering personalized solutions for each patient aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving reproductive function.

Why does varicocele develop and how do your know if you have one?

A varicocele occurs when the veins in the scrotum do not drain blood effectively because their valves are not functioning properly. This causes blood to pool and the veins to become enlarged.

Although it may be asymptomatic in some cases, it often causes:

Testicular pain or discomfort, especially after standing for long periods or during physical exertion.
A sensation of heaviness or swelling in the scrotum.
A change in the size of the affected testicle.
Fertility issues, as it can affect sperm quality.

Can a varicocele affect your fertility?

Yes, a varicocele can directly impact male fertility by affecting sperm quality. This occurs because the dilation of veins in the scrotum raises the temperature of the testicles, impairing their proper function.

Consequently, sperm count may decrease, and sperm motility (the ability to move correctly) and shape may be affected, making it difficult to achieve a pregnancy.

In more advanced cases, if left untreated, a varicocele can even lead to permanent fertility issues. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist—such as Dr. Rodrigo España at Andrología Málaga—are crucial for protecting your reproductive health.

How is a varicocele diagnosed?

At Andrología Málaga, the diagnosis of varicocele is performed by Dr. Rodrigo España through a comprehensive, personalized assessment. To detect this condition and determine whether it is affecting your health or fertility, a combination of tests is used—starting with a physical examination and supplemented by more specific studies if necessary.

These are the main stages of the diagnosis:

Clinical examination

First, a physical examination is performed in the office. The doctor examines the scrotum by gently palpating for dilated veins, especially while you are standing or straining. This initial assessment helps detect visible or palpable signs of a varicocele.

Doppler ultrasound

If a varicocele is suspected during the examination, a scrotal Doppler ultrasound—a simple, non-invasive test—is ordered. This procedure allows for the visualization of blood flow in the scrotal veins and helps determine the severity of the varicocele. It also makes it possible to rule out other conditions.

Semen analysis (seminogram)

When there are concerns about fertility, a semen analysis is performed. This test measures sperm count, motility, and shape. With this information, Dr. Rodrigo España can determine whether a varicocele is affecting your ability to have children.

Hormonal study (optional)

In some cases, it may also be useful to perform a hormonal analysis to evaluate whether the varicocele has altered the production of testosterone or other hormones related to fertility.

Treatments for varicocele in Valencia

Varicocele treatment depends on the specific case—such as whether there is discomfort, an impact on fertility, or if the condition is severe. At Andrología Málaga, Dr. Rodrigo España will guide you toward the best option, whether that involves a conservative approach or a more specific intervention.

The main alternatives are:

Conservative treatment

For mild cases where the varicocele does not cause significant problems, one can start with simple measures such as:

Wearing snug, supportive underwear.
Taking medication to relieve pain if it occurs in certain situations, such as during exercise or after standing for long periods.

Surgical treatment (varicocelectomy)

If a varicocele causes pain or affects fertility or testicle size, surgical treatment may be necessary. These are the main options:

Open surgery: An incision in the groin to close off the dilated veins.
Laparoscopy: A less invasive technique with a faster recovery.
Embolization: A non-surgical outpatient procedure using a catheter.
Laser: In some cases, the veins are sealed using laser energy.

Every patient is different; that is why, at Andrología Málaga, Dr. Rodrigo España will evaluate your case and explain the most suitable treatment based on your symptoms and reproductive goals.

Consult a specialist if you experiencie discomfort or fertility issues

If you are experiencing testicular pain, scrotal swelling, or fertility issues, consult a specialist.

At Andrología Málaga, Dr. Rodrigo España offers accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments for varicocele, aiming to improve your reproductive health and well-being.