how to treat varicocele?
Question:
Answers:
Treatment
If the patient is asymptomatic or the symptoms are mild and infertility is not an issue, the condition can be managed by wearing an athletic supporter or snug-fitting underwear to provide the scrotum with support.
Surgery
If the varicocele causes pain or atrophy, if it damages the testicle(s), or if the condition is causing infertility, surgery may be recommended. Most varicoceles can be corrected through a surgical procedure called varicocelectomy (i.e., surgically "tying off" the affected spermatic veins). The following methods are used.
Surgical ligation usually requires general or reginal anesthesia. In this procedure, a 2- to 3-inch incision is made in the groin or lower abdomen, the affected veins are located visually, and the surgeon cuts the veins and ties them off above the varicocele to reroute the blood through unaffected veins. A incision in the groin (transinguinal) is commonly used and a lower abdomen (retroperitoneal) incision is used in patients with scar tissue from a prior varicocelectomy or hernia repair. Surgery can be performed on an in- or outpatient basis. The patient typically can resume light activity within a week and strenuous activity in about 6 weeks.
Embolization is a nonsurgical procedure that takes about an hour and a half. A small tube (catheter) is inserted into a small incision in the groin to block the flow of blood to the varicocele. Venography is used to highlight the varicocele on x-ray and to visually guide the catheter. The catheter is then used to push tiny coils into place to block the blood flow to the dilated vein. This eases the pressure, reduces enlargement, and restores normal circulation. Light sedation, sometimes called "twilight anesthesia," is used during the procedure; the patient does not lose consciousness. Stitches are not needed. Normal activity is usually resumed within 2 days.
Laparoscopy is a technique in which the surgeon inserts a tiny camera attached to a long cylindrical tube into the abdominal cavity through a small incision. Using the camera to locate the varicocele, the surgeon then inserts other instruments through the same incision to isolate and tie off the dilated veins. This technique requires a smaller incision than surgical ligation and is sometimes regarded as less invasive. The laparoscope, however, can sometimes damage abdominal organs, which is not a risk factor in open surgery. The procedure takes about 2 hours and recovery about 2 days.
Naturopathic Treatment
A low fiber, highly refined diet—one that relies heavily on white flour products, sugar, and processed foods rather than fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits—is thought to be a contributing factor to varicocele formation. A lack of dietary fiber may slow down the bowels and contribute to constipation by hardening and drying the stool. Constipation stresses the pelvic floor by putting pressure on the veins when the bowels move. This repeated pressure strains the vessel walls and may damage vessel tissue.
Another contributing factor to varicocele formation is the lack of flavinoid-rich foods. Flavinoids, which are found in abundance in fresh vegetables and fruits, have been shown to contribute to the structural integrity of blood vessels.
Diet Recommendations
* Include: Eat a "whole foods" diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits (lots of richly pigmented berries to strengthen vessel walls); whole grains; fish and poultry; flax seed oil or other EFAs (essential fatty acids) found in fish oil, olive oil and nuts; and drink plenty of fresh water. Choose organically raised foods when possible.
* Avoid: Processed foods, fast foods, junk foods, animal fats, hydrogenated oils and margarine, sugar and white flour products, alcohol and caffeine.
* Extra fiber: Add 1 tablespoon psyllium seed husk fiber and/or 6 to 8 tablespoons flax seed meal and/or a cup oat bran daily to diet. Remember to increase water intake to 2 to 3 liters daily.
Supplemental Nutrition
* Bioflavinoids: 1000 mg daily
* Vitamin C: 1000 mg 3 times a day with meals
* Zinc: 30 mg daily
* Vitamin E: 400 IU daily
Herbal Therapeutics
Herbal remedies usually do not have side effects associated with regular use at the suggested doses. Rarely, an herb at the prescribed dose causes stomach upset or headache. This may reflect the purity of the preparation or added ingredients such as synthetic binders or fillers. For this reason it is recommended that you use only high quality, standardized extract formulas.
If possible, consult with a natural health practitioner such as a holistic medical doctor or licensed naturopathic physician before starting any alternative treatment plan. As with all medications, more is not better and overdosing can lead to serious illness and, in rare cases, death.
The following herbs may tone, strengthen, and improve the function of veins:
* Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) – 50 mg escin standardized extract daily.
* Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) – 10% ruscogenin standardized extract, 100 mg 3 times a day.
* Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) – 25% anthocyanoside, 150 mg 3 times a day.
Physical Medicine
Kegel exercises to improve blood flow and muscle tone.
Other Answers:
There are a number of treatments available to treat a varicocele. Treatment depends on symptoms and seriousness of the condition.
Treatment in Cases with No Symptoms or Mild Symptoms
A scrotal support or supportive underwear may be the only treatment required.
Here is a site for you to read up on it more, instead of me making a big post.
http://menshealth.about.com/od/conditions/a/varicocel_treat.htm?terms=mens+health+supplements
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