Why is varicocele often on the left side?

Varicocele is a common male disease, especially in young people of reproductive age. Although not life-threatening, if not detected and treated promptly, it can affect fertility.

Male doctors discuss male-related diseases - Illustration photo

What causes varicocele?

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Department of Andrology, 108 Central Military Hospital, varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the scrotum (the skin surrounding the testicles) are abnormally dilated, often due to blood flowing backwards and stagnating.

This condition is similar to varicose veins, but occurs in the male genital area.

The spermatic vein carries blood from the testicles back to the heart. When the valves in this vein malfunction or become weak, the blood cannot flow back in the correct direction and becomes stagnant, causing the vein to enlarge.

According to Dr. Phuc, some causes and risk factors that can lead to varicocele include:

Venous valve system disorder: This is the main cause of blood not being returned to the heart properly.

Increased abdominal pressure : Due to heavy labor, standing for long periods of time, straining during bowel movements, or overexertion.

Congenital anomaly : Abnormal vein structure present at birth.

Abdominal or kidney tumors : Compress the spermatic vein, making blood circulation difficult.

"Varicocele often occurs more on the left side (about 80-90%), due to the anatomical structure of the left venous system being longer and subject to higher pressure than the right side," said Dr. Phuc.

Signs of varicocele

Many cases of varicocele have no obvious symptoms, only discovered when going for infertility examination. However, there are still some signs that you can observe yourself:

Dull pain or heaviness in the scrotum: The pain often increases when standing for a long time, exercising vigorously or at the end of the day, and decreases when resting or lying on your back.

Pain may be dull, persistent, or a sharp, shooting pain.

Swollen scrotum or visible varicose veins: When standing upright, you may feel or see tangled blood vessels in the scrotum, resembling a "bundle of worms." One side of the scrotum may hang lower than the other.

Testicular atrophy: The testicle with varicocele may be smaller and softer than the other side. This is a more serious sign, often occurring when the disease has been untreated for a long time.

Men with varicocele may experience reduced sperm count and quality, affecting their ability to conceive. Sometimes the patient is completely unaware of the disease until they seek infertility treatment.

If you suspect you have varicocele, visit a medical facility that specializes in andrology.

In mild cases, without symptoms or without affecting fertility, the doctor may prescribe regular monitoring. Avoid standing for long periods, carrying heavy loads, and over-exercising. Wear testicular support underwear to reduce the feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

"If you have discomfort in the scrotum, or have been married for a long time but have not had children, do not hesitate to see a urologist. Varicocele is not a rare disease, and can be treated effectively if detected early. Paying attention to reproductive health early will help you be more proactive in life and family happiness," Dr. Phuc recommends.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tai-sao-gian-tinh-mach-tinh-thuong-o-ben-trai-20250924205632765.htm