ABUJA, Nigeria – Medical World Nigeria has raised alarm over varicocele, a condition affecting about 15% of men that can cause infertility and chronic discomfort.
In an update shared on Friday, the group described varicocele as enlarged veins in the scrotum, often compared to a “bag of worms.” The condition, typically occurring on the left side due to faulty testicular vein valves, leads to blood pooling and increased scrotal temperature.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, or visible lumps. Experts warned that untreated varicoceles could impair sperm quality and reduce fertility. “Varicoceles can raise scrotal temperature, which may affect sperm quality, but surgical correction can improve fertility in some cases,” the organisation explained.
Diagnosis involves physical examination or ultrasound, with severity graded on a scale of one to three. While mild cases may require monitoring, advanced cases are treated with surgery, particularly microsurgery, which boasts high success rates.
The condition is most common among teenagers and young adults.
Medical World Nigeria advised men experiencing discomfort not to delay seeking medical help. “If you’re experiencing scrotal discomfort, don’t ignore it—seek medical advice,” the group urged, stressing regular check-ups and self-examinations for early detection.
