Varicocele

Varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility. Not all varicoceles affect sperm production. Varicoceles can also cause testicles to fail to develop normally or shrink in size.

Varicocele often produces no signs or symptoms. Normally it does not cause any pain and even if there is some pain it would be:

Sharp to dull discomfort

Increase with standing or physical exertion

Worsen over the course of a day

Be relieved when you lie on your back

Other symptoms could be Impaired fertility

Treatment Options

If your varicocele causes pain, testicular atrophy or infertility or if you are considering assisted reproductive techniques, you might have to undergo surgical varicocele repair.

The purpose of surgery is to seal off the affected vein to redirect the blood flow into normal veins. In cases of male infertility, treatment of a varicocele might improve or cure the infertility or improve the quality of sperm if techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) are to be used.

The varicocele surgery can be done by giving an incision in the groin region and performing the surgery using a microscope for better results. The surgery can also be done by using a Laparoscope. However open surgery has much better results and much faster recovery.

Best Doctors and Cost

Dr S Ganguly is one of the best Uro surgeon for doing the Varicocele Repair Surgery. The cost of open or laparoscopic varicocele repair surgery is in the range of Rs. 45,000 - 60,000 with one day of stay in the hospital. You might be able to return to nonstrenuous activities after two days. You can return to more strenuous activity such as exercising, after two weeks.

If you have an individual health insurance policy then this surgery is covered after a period of 2 years from the date of inception of the policy. However if you are a beneficiary of company given policy then the surgery is covered from day one. Always go through the terms of your health insurance policy like room rent capping and co-payment to avoid any kind of financial shocks later on.