What is a Varicocele and What Does it Mean for Penis Health?

When a man is paying close attention to penis health and attending to proper penis care on a daily basis, he’s usually very quick to spot problems. In most cases, those problems are as simple as dry penis skin or other easily-remedied issues - nothing that a little good penis health crème can’t fix! But some issues are much more concerning and require more attention, such as developing a varicocele.

What’s a varicocele?

As every man knows, there are a lot of blood vessels that run through the penis, scrotum and surrounding areas. This rich blood flow allows for better penis health and regular erections. A varicocele develops when the veins in the scrotum widen and fill up with blood that doesn’t readily drain out as it should. This can result in a variety of problems, including long-term issues if a guy doesn’t visit a doctor as soon as he notices a varicocele.

Varicoceles occur in about 25 percent of men and usually show up between the ages of 13 and 30. Though no one is certain of the cause, it seems that many men - up to 70 percent - have a defect in the veins that prevent them from allowing blood to drain as it should. Other factors might include obesity, wearing restrictive clothing, physical injury, swollen lymph nodes or having a high level of fat in the blood.

Symptoms of a varicocele are hard to miss, as they come on rather quickly and become severe. These include enlarged veins in the scrotum (usually easy to see), swelling, lumps in the scrotum, shrinking testicles, and a deep, aching pain that makes a man’s pelvis feel "full" or "heavy." Infertility can also be a symptom, though most men notice other symptoms well before they run into the problem of being unable to father children.

What to do about it?

A man who notices a varicocele should visit his doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will want to screen for any underlying issues with the blood vessels and veins, as well as treat the varicocele itself. The proper treatment is usually surgery - however, a man shouldn’t be worried about the procedure itself, as it tends to be very simple and quick. It’s important to know, however, that many men require numerous surgeries over the course of their lifetime to treat various varicoceles, and that can eventually mean problems with the nerves that create penis sensation.

It’s also important for a guy to take lifestyle factors into account. He should make a point of wearing only comfortable clothing, never anything too tight, and lose weight if he is carrying extra pounds. He should also check out certain herbs that can enhance blood flow, such as horse-chestnut extract, bilberry, butcher’s broom or gotu kola. Supplements of vitamin C and E can also help maintain the health of the veins.

Whether a man has a problem with his veins or not, it pays to have some insurance against problems, and that means paying very close attention to good penis care. One integral part of that care is a daily penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A man should reach for a crème that contains vitamin E, known for keeping skin supple but also a great benefit to blood vessels and veins. Something that contains vitamin C is also great, as this vitamin strengthens vein walls. Another excellent ingredient for those undergoing variococele surgery is alpha lipoic acid, which battles against free radicals and helps preserve the nerve function of the penis and surrounding area.

Varicocele - A Scrotum Problem: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Varicocele is a condition in which dilated, or widened, veins in the scrotum cause the veins to fill up with blood, resulting in a painful and unpleasant problem which can result in serious health problems. Varicocele occurs in up to 25% of males between the ages of 13 and 30. Although a definitive cause is not yet known, dietary factors, genetics and lifestyle are considered to play a large part in this condition. If you think you may have a varicocele, consult your healthcare professional without delay.

Symptoms
It doesn't take long, in many cases, for men to notice that they have developed a varicocele. The symptoms include:

• visibly enlarged veins in the scrotum
• lumps in the testicles
• local swelling
• dragging, aching pain
• shrinking of the testicles
• infertility

It is uncommon for a varicocele to go unnoticed, but if fertility is an issue it may be worthwhile checking with a medical practitioner than varicocele is not present. Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility and affecting sperm in terms of size, motility, and overall count. Regular use of a topical unguent such as a good quality penis health crème can help soothe and cool this painful condition.

Causes

A varicocele is, quite simply, a varicose vein that occurs in the scrotum. Veins are part of the cardiovascular system but function in a different way to blood vessels. While blood vessels carry oxygenated blood to the tissues, veins contain one-way valves that draw de-oxygenated blood away from tissues and back to the heart.

If veins become damaged, blood is unable to travel quickly, causing the vein to expand. While varicose veins usually occur late in life, the varicocele condition is most common in adolescent men. Over 70% of males with varicocele have defects of the one-way valves in their veins.

Anything that reduces circulation to the testicles may help to contribute to poor drainage, such as tight clothing, obesity, high blood fats, swollen lymph nodes, or physical injury. Malignant tumors causing a reduction in blood flow to the testes may also be a factor.

Treatments

Surgery is the primary treatment for varicocele. Having the varicocele removed is simple, fast, and efficient. However, studies show that many men who undergo surgery for varicocele experience recurrences and if surgery is required multiple times, damage to the local tissues can be permanent.

Researchers from the O.U. of Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, Italy studied the benefits of surgery in infertile men with varicocele. While men with infertility for more than a period of 12-months did not experience much improvement from surgery, men with infertility for more than 24-months saw a higher percentage of improvement. Nowadays the varicocele condition is treated by microsurgery has higher success rates than previous surgical techniques. Supporting venous sufficiency throughout the body with nutrition, lifestyle and herbal medicine may also help.

In one study horse-chestnut extract was found to be as effective as diuretic therapy and compression stockings in treating varicose veins. Gotu kola, bilberry and butcher's broom are other herbs known to improve microcirculation, reduce vein inflammation, and support venous sufficiency. Vitamin C, E and Omega-3 may also act as circulatory supporters and natural blood thinners.

Penis health crèmes

Male health crèmes are natural products that can be applied to the penis and scrotum area. Containing vitamins and amino acids that are beneficial for penis tissues and reproductive health, penis health crèmes are an excellent way of supporting symptoms of varicocele as well as reducing the risk. Specialist formulas (most professionals recommend Man1Man Oil) contain vitamin C for strengthening vein walls, vitamin E for blood thinning and preventing scarring, and alpha lipoic acid to protect nerve function before and after surgery. Apply often to tone veins and promote circulation, making important nutrients available directly to the local tissues. Avoid use two days prior to varicocele surgery to reduce the risk of increased bleeding and resume use after surgery to support tissue healing.