What exactly is varicocele?

It may be that the issue is not only tiredness. Varicocele is often the reason for these problems, though it can be silent for years before disturbing the reproductive health of the patient. In men, varicocele is common and it results from the bulging of scrotal veins. There is no need to suffer to read this: it helps both the mentally healthy and unhealthy. In this section, we will cover the signs, ways of diagnosing kidney disease, and the situations when you should see a doctor. Stick with us to make sure you understand the basics. What tells us if we have varicocele?

What exactly is varicocele?

Varicocele refers to when the pampiniform plexus veins that take blood away from the testicles to the heart become greatly dilated. Varicocele, which is like varicose veins in the leg, is found in the scrotum instead. Blood not draining properly occurs due to the faulty venous valves, which leads to venous buildup, redness, and a lack of oxygen reaching the testicles. Why should we take it seriously?

  • It is one of the main causes of male infertility.
  • People often get it just on the left side, but both can also be affected.
  • If untreated, the condition may cause the testes to shrink and the testosterone to decrease.

Warning signs of varicocele

In various cases, varicocele does not cause any symptoms, so it might be detected when a person seeks help for infertility. However, when a person has symptoms, it is important to address the signs. These are the most usual signs that someone has varicocele:

  • Experiencing stronger pain when working out or exercising;
  • Loss of testicular volume in just one of the testicles (typically the left one);
  • Infertility or reduced sperm motility in a semen test;
  • unclear pain or pressure in the testicles, which may be stronger after you’ve been standing for a long period;
  • An obvious lump in the scrotum that has the appearance of a “bag of worms.”

Note: The signs and symptoms may change depending on the severity of the disease, and there are those who notice their varicocele during a routine assessment.

How do we know about varicocele ourselves?

It is possible to detect the early signs of varicocele by paying close attention to our body when they occur. Still, the diagnosis should be made by a doctor, yet being able to recognize the symptoms will allow you to seek help earlier. Ways you can identify varicocele at an early stage:

  • Touching the scrotum: Touching a soft, rolled-up mass that seems like “bag of worms” while standing is a possible sign of varicocele.
  • Feeling sore or heavy in the legs after you have been on your feet for some time: If you find that your testicles are a little sore or tight after working out or after a long day, you should not ignore it.
  • Testicular symmetry: Notice in the mirror that one testicle (typically the left) looks smaller or is located lower than the other; it may be a sign of varicocele.
  • Increased pain during activity or heat: When you are active or it is hot, you feel more pain. Increasing your body’s temperature and activity can make your pain worse.

When should I see a doctor?

Many men often delay going to the doctor out of embarrassment or because they ignore what is happening to them. Sometimes, catching possible issues early with a urologist may help prevent infertility. When to see a doctor:

  • While looking into male fertility issues (testing of sperm);
  • When the pain in the testicles does not improve or becomes worse;
  • If you find a lump in your testicles that does not feel like a regular one;
  • When there is any difference in the way the testicles look or their placement;
  • If you find that your testicle gets smaller, or you have trouble getting in the mood.

Medical warning: Some of these signs might be seen with testicular torsions or cancer. Detecting cancer early increases the chances of preventing it.

Medical Diagnosis Methods of Varicocele

To diagnose varicocele, your urologist will use techniques that are based on its severity and your symptoms. Steps to diagnose varicocele:

  • Checking a person’s posture while they are standing. The doctor feels for any venous mass in the patient’s testicles. During the assessment, it is possible that a strain or Valsalva maneuver may be requested from the patient so the enlarged veins are noticeable.
  • Testicular Doppler ultrasound: It is the best way to confirm the presence of varicoceles. This type of scan reviews the blood flow, the size of the veins, and the way blood returns to the heart.
  • Varicocele grading: Varicocele is classified into three grades depending on its severity.
    • Grade 1: Detectable ultrasound only
    • Grade 2: It exists through touch rather than through its appearance
    • Grade 3: Clearly visible

At times, the doctor may do a sperm test to see how varicocele affects the ability to have children.

Does varicocele always need treatment?

One thing many people wonder after being diagnosed with a varicocele is if treatment is the right choice every time. It depends on the patient’s condition, whether the person is trying to have children, and the advice of the doctor. When is treatment not necessary?

  • If the varicocele is asymptomatic;
  • Where there is no decline in a person’s ability to conceive;
  • If the size and development of the testes are suitable, then it is within the normal range.

Usually, the doctor advises that the patient keep coming for follow-ups and if additional symptoms occur, proper treatment should be applied. Cases that require treatment:

  • Repeatedly or persistent pains in the testicles;
  • Decrease in the size of a testicle, mostly in teenagers;
  • Differences in sperm counts or lack of sperm might be reasons for infertility;
  • Advice from a doctor to perform surgery for advanced or bilateral cataracts.

Available treatments for varicocele

Doctors decide on treatment based on the patient’s condition and the seriousness of the disease. While many problems can be treated without surgery, surgery will be recommended if the issue persists. Treatments include:

  • Supportive Care
  • Avoid stressful activity or being on your feet for a long while;
  • Follow the advice of a doctor by using anti-inflammatory medications;
  • Wear proper underwear and use drinks with added protection for the testicles.
  • Varicocele surgery
  • Laparoscopy: It is performed by using a camera and various instruments;
  • Microscopic varicocelectomy: the most usual and reliable method done with the highest degree of safety;
  • Venous embolization: Doctors use a catheter to treat the issue by blocking the damaged blood vessels (most often in advanced centers).

Benefits of successful varicocele treatment:

  • Improving the sperm to help with fertility;
  • Lowering pain and improving enjoyment of life;
  • Stop testicular resorption and reduce the amount of testosterone.

Final Thoughts

Early symptoms, when to seek help, and the procedures for diagnosis and treatment are three things men should know about male reproductive health care. When you notice pain, a sensation of weight, or changes in fertility, seek advice from a specialist. A bull being treated early can avoid infertility and enjoy a better life.

Resources

Varicocele

The varicocele

Varicocele: A Review

 

Home remedy for polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be like an unwanted guest, influencing routine energy to skin health to hormonal state. But here’s the good news: Based on this condition you can make a couple of smart lifestyle changes! Starting with the right diet to natural ways of regulating hormones, there are ways to deal with symptoms without medication. In search for a solution for this challenge, don’t forget to read this article. In this article, I will explain some effective and practical home ways of managing PCOS so that you can get back your health and hormonal balance without the complex medication.

Lifestyle changes

  • Healthy and balanced eating

Balanced nutrition is one of the key pillars of controlling polycystic ovary syndrome. Women with PCOS usually have trouble with issues like resistance of insulin, causing weight gain and misregulation of blood sugar. For that reason, a healthy, balanced diet can help to control such problems.

  • Low-carb and low-sugar diet

Reducing simple carbohydrates and added sugars is one of the key food principles for nutrition with PCOS. Foods rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates create a sudden peak of blood sugar activity that cause increased production of the hormone insulin and this could make the core symptoms of PCOS worse. Rather than this, complex carbohydrates should be taken in the form of whole grains, vegetables, and low sugar fruits.

  • Consumption of fiber-rich foods

Fiber helps control blood sugar and insulin resistance. High fiber foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grain, and legumes should have significant place in your daily nutrition.

  • Healthy fats

By eating healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts hormone balance and insulin resistance can be improved. These fats also prevent body inflammation and enhance overall health.

  • Quality proteins

Proteins may work well for managing blood sugar and appetite. Protein should be included in your diet in quality sources like fish, poultry, eggs and legumes.

  • Avoid processed foods

Not only processed foods with added sugars, high salt, and unhealthy fats can exacerbate the symptoms of PCOS. It is advisable to reduce such type of foods and stick to natural homemade foods.

  • Regular exercise

Exercise is among the most powerful factors for controlling symptoms of PCOS. Regular exercises will help alleviate insulin resistance, promote ovulation, and reduce stress. In addition, physical exercise can help regulate weight, and minimize the risk of heart disease and diabetes, which are both higher in women suffering from PCOS.

  • Aerobic Sports

Start doing such activities as running, brisk walking, cycling, and swimming and you will drop weight and have insulin resistance improved. These exercises are also helpful in reducing stress level and improve mental status.

  • Strength training

Workouts and strength exercises including either weight lifting or body weight are exercises that can help increase muscle and also elevate metabolism. Not only do these exercises help to build muscles, they also lower body fat and regulate blood sugar as well.

  • Yoga and relaxation exercises

What is very important about Yoga is that this practice not only helps to increase the bending ability in the body but it is also known to help relieve stress and adjust hormonal balance as well. Yoga and Meditation exercises can be used by women suffering from PCOS to relieve stress and get better sleeping.

  • Weight Management

Weight control is one of the greatest problems for a great number of women with PCOS. We can see a lot of benefit from losing weight, even a little bit of weight can make a lot of difference in reducing symptoms and actually just improving one’s general health. Research has demonstrated that if women lose between 5 to 10 per cent of their body weight, their menstrual cycle can be reined in, the ovulation process enhanced, and insulin resistance reduced.

  • Measuring Meals

Keep an eye on the food amount you are taking to regulate your calorie consumption.

  • Choosing healthy snacks

Instead of sweet, high-calorie snacks, use fruits, nuts and vegetables as snacks.

  • Avoid high-calorie, processed foods

Processed foods rich in fat and sugar can make weight loss hard.

Manage stress and improve sleep quality

  • Stress Management

Stress is one of those critical triggers that can worsen the effects of polycystic ovary cycle (PCOS). High levels of stress interfere with hormonal balance in the body and may lead to problems such as menstrual irregularities, raised androgens (male hormones) and even weight gain. Thus the control of symptoms of PCOS can primarily be achieved through managing and reducing the level of the individual’s stress. Effective techniques to reduce stress:

  • Meditation and Mindfulness Practices

Meditation will help you to relieve stress and relax you mind. These techniques lower the secretions of cortisol, and ease the correction of the hormonal balance.

  • Breathing exercises

Deep focused breathing exercises will soothe the nerves and alleviate anxiety. This is a very simple yet helpful method which can be applied to an immediate strategy to relieve stress during the day.

  • Yoga and relaxation techniques

Apart from promoting physical health, yoga is best known to relieve stress and increase mental resilience.

  • Improving sleep quality

Interruption of normal sleep patterns in women with PCOS often results from hormonal imbalances. Sleep (or the lack of it or poor quality) can disrupt hormone balances as well as aggravate metabolic and hormonal problems. Sufficient and quality of sleep every night is quite important in regulating insulin levels, sex hormones and even weight control. Ways to improve sleep:

  • Sleep time adjustment

Having a fixed bedtime maintains the rhythm of your body. The best thing is to be going to bed at the same hour every day as changes of bedtimes are not good.

  • Creating a Suitable Sleeping Environment

Your sleeping surroundings should be dark, quiet, and flattering. Going to bed with thick curtains and without electronics can help to sleep better.

  • Avoid electronics before bed

Exposure to blue light from cell phones and computers can interfere with melatonin (the hormone that controls sleep), and make people more awake. Try to reduce using this equipment at least an hour before bed time.

Use of Natural Supplements and Remedies

  • Beneficial Supplements for PCOS

PCOS symptoms and levels of hormones can be regulated due to dietary supplements and vitamins. Some of these supplements are good for enhancing insulin sensitivity, decrease in inflammation and control of menstruation.

  • Inositol

An inositol is one of the most common supplements used in the cure of PCOS. Inositol is vitamin B type that helps to control insulin and enhance ovulation. This is a supplement that can help women suffering from PCOS who are challenged with infertility to improve odds of getting pregnant.

  • Vitamin D

A number of women with PCOS lack vitamin D. This vitamin helps to control menstruation and to enhance the insulin sensitivity. The consumption of vitamin D supplement can enhance the hormonal and metabolic symptoms.

  • Omega-3

It is also worth noting that men and especially women with PCOS have away of stabilizing their PCOS conditions by consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids because they possess anti-inflammatory effects that are able to reduce inflammation in their bodies. Additionally, omega-3s also improve insulin resistance and reduce androgens.

  • Medicinal plants effective in the treatment of PCOS

Use of medicinal herbs is one of the natural ways for enhancing the symptoms of PCOS. Some herbs are hormonal and anti-inflammatory, which can balance hormones and eradicate symptoms.

  • Mint

Peppermint has a good effect on the level of androgens in the body and is capable of reducing hair growth and treating hormonal issues. Two cups of peppermint tea a day can help decrease the symptoms of PCOS.

  • Cinnamon

Cinnamon possesses blood sugar regulating properties, and enhances insulin resistance. Also cinnamon helps to regulate menstruation in women with PCOS. Spicing tea or daily foods with cinnamon can be a natural way to control symptoms.

  • Fennel

Fennel has compounds that enhance hormonal balance and may soothe the symptoms including irregular menstruation, bloating. It also has anti-inflammatory features that help to lessen inflammation related to PCOS.

  • Licorice

This herb has anti-andromechanical features, which can reduce levels of testosterone and assist in solving the problems such as the development of pimples and hair growth.

  • Chamomile

Chamomile also help to regulate sleep, relieving stress and reducing inflammation; which can all have a positive effect on PCOS symptoms. It also has soothing properties and helps hormone balance.

  • Red Clover

Red clover normalizes estrogen level and may be useful in easing out hormonal symptoms of PCOS. This herb is suggested as an herbal tea to balance hormones.

Herbs and supplements can also be helpful as one of several therapies for treating PCOS at home. However it is vital to speak to a doctor before taking any supplements or herbs to avoid getting drug interactions and side effects.

Final Thoughts

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) needs an integrated approach and a combination of lifestyle alteration, managing stress and natural supplements and therapies. Choosing small but ongoing changes in diet; increased physical activity; and improved sleep, it is possible to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.  But, it is vital that every person should observe his symptoms constantly and consult a doctor when needed according to his / her circumstances. The combination of home remedies, counselling and pharmacologic treatments is likely to produce the best outcome for PCOS management. Dr. Jam Clinic with a scientific approach And expertise is at your service to provide you fully personalized diet and care plans according to your situation. By offering you hubs with accurate evidence-based solutions, the clinic will help you overcome PCOS symptoms effectively and make a way towards achieving sustainable health.

Resources

Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies

Effects of natural products on polycystic ovary syndrome: From traditional medicine to modern drug discovery

Incredible Combination of Lifestyle Modification and Herbal Remedies for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Management