When a couple struggles to conceive, the man is often asked for one thing at most — a semen analysis. If the numbers come back low, he may be handed a supplement and sent home. What is rarely done is a simple physical examination. That is how varicoceles get missed.
What a Varicocele Is
A varicocele is a swelling of the veins inside the scrotum — similar to varicose veins in the leg. It usually occurs on the left side. The NHS notes that they are common and often harmless, but they can affect fertility in some men.
Why It Matters for Sperm
The testicles sit outside the body because sperm production needs to run slightly cooler than body temperature. Pooled blood in swollen veins warms the area and may affect oxygen supply. Over time this can lower sperm count, movement and shape, and damage the DNA the sperm carries.
Signs to Look For
- A soft lump above the testicle, sometimes described as feeling like “a bag of worms”
- A dull ache or heaviness that worsens after standing or exercise and eases lying down
- One testicle noticeably smaller than the other
- Often, no symptoms at all — only a poor semen analysis
How It Is Diagnosed
A doctor can often feel a varicocele during an examination while the man is standing. A scrotal ultrasound confirms it. If his semen results are abnormal and nobody has examined him, that is a gap worth closing — read Why Your Husband Needs to Be Tested Too.
Treatment and Support
Not every varicocele needs treatment. When it is associated with poor semen parameters and a couple is struggling to conceive, a urologist may recommend repair. Sperm takes around three months to develop, so improvements are judged over months.
Whatever is decided, the rest of his health still matters: keeping the area cool (no laptops on the lap, loose underwear, avoiding long hot baths), stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, and eating for sperm health. Our herbal programmes for men focus on supporting sperm quality during this window. See 5 Simple Changes for Low Sperm Count.
Men can speak with us confidentially too.
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At Ohemaa Fertile Home, we provide guided herbal fertility support rooted in three generations of traditional knowledge. We serve women across Ghana, Nigeria, and the diaspora. Reach out to us on WhatsApp for a free, confidential consultation.
