Varicocelectomy

What are the recommendations for travel for this procedure?

If you are taking any blood-thinning medication/anticoagulant, please let your doctor know as some may need to be stopped before you travel for the procedure. Travelers to Thailand should plan to stay in the country for at least two to five days after the procedure, depending on their condition after surgery, or for the entire duration of treatment. If you plan to return home after the procedure, please speak to your doctor before making travel arrangements. There are no restrictions for air travel. During your follow-up appointment your medical team will assess your health and your incision and you will receive documents detailing your medical and treatment history and your "Fit to Fly" certificate (if needed).

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How are varicoceles diagnosed?

-Self-examination of the scrotum, above the testicles, can reveal a mass that feels like a bag of worms. Some patients may experience swelling or tenderness in the area, or a feeling of pressure in the groin when standing for long periods.  -The doctor may detect varicoceles as part of a visit for a general health screening or fertility issues.  -Physical examination or ultrasound examination of the scrotum if it appears larger than normal, revealing veins that are larger than 2 millimeters in diameter.  -Enlarged veins along with abnormalities of the sperm, such as low motility (less than 60%), low sperm count, or abnormal sperm shape.  -Enlarged veins and abnormally small testicles in children.

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How long will it take to see the results from this procedure?

It takes approximately 80 days days from the beginning of the sperms' development until they are ready to be ejaculated. This is a continuous process very much like an assembly line. At any given time there should be millions of sperms at all stages of development. It therefore takes a minimum of four months to see any significant improvement in the semen analysis after a varicocelectomy. Increased improvements can often be seen for up to two years. If, however, there has been no improvement within six months, other options should be simultaneously considered. A varicocelectomy does not in any way negatively affect the sperm and while waiting for improvement, additional and alternative steps can be taken by the couple to optimize sperm quality and pregnancy outcome.  http://www.varicocelespecialists.com/otherfaqs.htm

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Can this procedure improve male fertility?

This procedure can help increase fertility by restoring blood flow to your scrotum, which can result in increased sperm and testosterone production. Your doctor will perform a semen analysis to see how much your fertility improves. Varicocelectomy often results in a 60–80 percent improvement in semen analysis results. Instances of pregnancy after varicocelectomy often rise anywhere from 20 to 60 percent.