What is Varicocele and How is it treated?
Varicocele comes under the umbrella of vascular diseases. The veins of the scrotum also known as the pampiniform plexus (interconnection of veins) become faulty as a result of which the blood drainage to and from the testes is impacted. Many think that varicocele is similar to varicose veins elsewhere in the body, which is true at the conceptual level. However, varicocele may influence a male in more than one way and can certainly not be regarded as trifling. The valves in the veins of the scrotum are damaged and disturb the flow of blood to the testes causing a dilatation of the veins that appear visible on the surface just like varicose veins in the legs. One other difference between varicose veins and varicocele is that the latter actually affects young people more than the old. The compromised blood flow can not only cause discomfort but also lead to infertility through impacting spermatogenesis. However, the details of varicocele including causes and symptoms are beyond the scope of this article. Nevertheless, the treatment for varicocele ranges from surgical options to the minimally invasive non-surgical embolization method. Varicocele Embolization is being offered as a viable treatment option in Pakistan by Dr Imtiaz Ahmad, who is an Endovascular Surgical Specialist and an Interventional Radiologist, available in the two big cities of the country; Karachi and Lahore.
Varicocele Embolization is conducted under three-dimensional image guidance to achieve accuracy and precision. This procedure does not use any coils. FDA approved drugs specific for the treatment are used by Dr Imtiaz Ahmad and under fluoroscopic guidance, veins that are defective are approached (usually through the antegrade approach) and embolized so that the blood flow to them is blocked. In short, the minimally invasive approach to solving miseries related to varicocele is only a consultation away.
Pre-Procedural Psychological Impact
Somehow the issues concerning the reproductive system of both men and women are considered taboo and not openly talked about. Consequently, many people remain unaware of the symptoms, causes and even treatment options until it is too late. A key factor in determining the success of varicocele treatment is its early diagnosis. After reaching a point of no return, there is little hope to reverse varicocele and the oligospermia/infertility that it brings with itself.
Nevertheless, this is why Dr Imtiaz Ahmad is working to impart this knowledge to greater masses. The psychological impact of varicocele which is directly linked with cultural aspects can not be ignored when speaking about the treatment. Men often prefer quietly suffering at the hands of varicocele than sharing it with their family, or even friends. When they do seek help, the treatment process is kept hidden, as if it would bring some sort of disgrace to the individual. The increasing discomfort accompanied by worsening varicocele restricts the movement of an otherwise active individual which can eventually plunge him into depression and isolation.
Since varicocele is more common in young men, the marriage might not get affected, but this is also more alarming since by the time marriage would occur, the problem would have reached its summit. Nevertheless, it is often seen that married couples seek consultation once the woman fails to conceive after several tries. Thereafter, since male infertility is considered an afterthought in the process, further misdiagnosis and delay of varicocele may happen. If infertility is finally linked to the male factor, the man feels guilty and embarrassed in front of his wife. This could be channeled in any way in the relationship. Studies suggest the same degree of depression in couples seeking consultation for infertility in patients who are chronically ill. This could be extrapolated to the fact that they think it can not be reversed. However, varicocele treatment in Pakistan by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad will make you believe otherwise.
The pre-procedural psychological impact of varicocele embolization is linked to many factors, all leading to depression and frustration. This is why proper counseling and therapy is needed for couples, especially men (since the possibility of male factor infertility is not kept) who suffer from prolonged varicocele. Prior to the embolization therapy, a detailed history of the patient will be taken.
Post-Procedural Psychological Impact
The uncertainty involved with the results of the varicocele treatment can also influence the patient’s mental health. Although the success rate varies case to case, and is based on improved semen quality and restored fertility, varicocele embolization also minimizes post procedural discomfort that is always accompanied by the surgical approach. Since the recovery time after embolization procedure is much shorter(1-2days) than in surgical approach, the patient can return to his normal life with full functionality almost immediately. After the embolization is complete, the patient may even be discharged the same day after being under brief observation. The pain associated with the varicocele will alleviate and slowly, the semen health will also improve.
If infertility was linked to varicocele, semen analysis may be performed after a month and subsequent follow-ups will observe persistence in sperm count. Positive results have been reported in the majority of the cases and an overall improvement in mental health is also reported in the patients as their partner’s and their own expectations from marriage life are met.
Varicocele Embolization is a complex procedure and if you finally decide on getting it done, you should consult the best varicocele doctor in Pakistan.
