Grade 3 Varicocele Treatment

How Does Grade 3 Varicocele Affect Fertility?

Varicoceles are very easy to distinguish physically. However, most men only start to consider receiving varicocele treatment due to infertility. Varicoceles affect infertility in several ways:-

• They cause testicular dystrophy.
• They decrease testosterone production, leading to erectile dysfunction.
• They reduce sperm quality.

Varicocele surgery has been proven to improve sperm quality, sperm quantity, and testosterone levels. This increases the chances of the patient conceiving naturally, even without IVF. Patients who have undergone varicocele surgery have also proven to have higher live birth rates than patients who simply underwent IVF procedures, skipping the surgery. Many researchers believe that is due to low sperm quality in varicocele patients.

How Can One Prepare for Varicocele Surgery?

Before undergoing varicocele surgery, you should discuss the procedure in detail with your surgeon to avoid potential complications during and after the surgery. Inform your surgeon about your complete medical history, including any medications or supplements you are taking.

If the surgery is being performed under general anesthesia, then avoid eating anything after midnight on the day before the surgery. If you have any blood-related disorders for which you are taking any blood thinners, you may have to stop them at least a few days before the surgery.

You may need some assistance with driving after the surgery to take you home, so arrange for someone to drive you. Consult your fertility specialist before getting the surgery to ensure it is the right option for you.

What to Expect After a Grade 3 Varicocele Treatment?

After the procedure is completed, you may be kept under observation for 2-3 hours in a recovery room. If there are no complications, you will be able to go home immediately. Most men can start working within a couple of days of the surgery, especially if they have desk jobs. 

However, complete recovery may take at least 3-6 weeks, depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the condition. There may be slight postoperative pain and swelling in the groin for 3 to 4 weeks, but that can be easily resolved through over-the-counter pain medication.

What Are the Recovery Tips a Patient Should Follow After Varicocele?

Once you are discharged, you can follow the following tips to make your recovery faster, such as:

• Keep the incisions dry. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, discharge, fever, etc., then contact your doctor immediately.
• Do not engage in any strenuous activities or sports for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery.
• Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor without fail.
• Apply an ice pack to your scrotum for at least 10 min. Several times a day to keep the swelling down.
• Do not have any sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks after the surgery.
• Do not swim, take a bath or perform any activity involving immersing your scrotum in water until the incisions have closed.
• Manage your diet to avoid constipation and straining while defecating. You may take a stool softener or muscle relaxer if you have difficulty passing stools.

Your doctor may perform a semen analysis within 3 to 4 months after the surgery to ensure you are recovering properly.

What Are the Risks Associated With Varicocele Surgery?

Removal of grade 3 varicocele through varicocelectomy surgery is generally very safe, but in certain cases, there may be complications like

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Testicular damage or atrophy
• Infection
• Deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism
• Fluid buildup in the varicocele, i.e., hydrocele formation
• Bladder damage or obstruction
• Chronic pain
• Recurrence of the varicocele

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