Healthy Veins
Of the many different causes of male infertility, a varicocele is one of the most common. A varicocele is very simply a varicose vein that develops in the venous system of the testicles. This varicose vein develops in much the same way that others do. This means that the one-way valves that control the blood flow in the veins are damaged and allow the blood to pool. This pooling results from poor circulation. This increases the temperature inside the scrotum and decreases sperm production because of the heat. (1)
Urologists estimate that between 10 and 20% of all men will experience a varicocele at some point in their lives. And only 40% who have a varicose vein in the testicle will have any discernible symptoms. Most men can feel the swelling or lump that surrounds the testicle inside of the scrotum. Interestingly 96% of all cases this will be on the left side.
There is a physiological reason for this. The spermatic cord on the left side is longer and requires a more circuitous route to the heart. It also connects to the left kidney vein which has a higher blood pressure than the right one. A higher pressure on the side increases the likelihood of swelling in this vein which may be weakened. (2) Continue reading
