Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Semen Analysis is the usual investigation for infertility.

Before the technique of Cremasteric disruption as advocated by Dr. Parag Shah, the results of Varicocele surgery were poor with the associated morbidity of surgery. However the technique of Cremasteric disruption with venous ligation has high success rates and almost nil morbidity.
A ‘cost per delivery’ analysis in the USA revealed that Varicocelectomy is three times more effective than Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
Not only that even the European experience estimated it is seven times more cost-effective.
In India Varicocelectomy could be ten to twenty times more cost-effective than ICSI. Besides infertile men can expand their reproductive option after surgery and no further treatment is required for subsequent pregnancy.
Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART/ IVF/ ICSI/ Test tube Baby) does not allow natural selection of genetic material. There are stray reports of increased congenital abnormalities in babies born by ART. Besides long-term effects of ART are still unknown. In conclusion, our results are our best advocates for suggesting the further course of treatment.

Being an ambulatory technique, our technique is cheaper yet better than most other modalities of treatment for Varicocele.

Your insurance company will usually pay if the indication for surgery was pain. It might not pay for infertility treatment.

We have performed over 1000 surgeries. Transient discomfort was reported in only 6% patients. Hydrocele was recorded in just one patient.

No! Varicocele or its surgery has no effect on Sexual ability

i) Quit smoking: Smokers with testicular Varicocele have a ten times increased chance of oligospermia, than those who are nonsmokers. Smoking causes 23% decrease in sperm density and 13% decrease in motility. It also increases abnormal sperms.
ii) Reduce alcohol.
iii) Excessive exercise / gymnasium / long distance running and cycling reduces sperm quality and thus is recommended, not to be undertaken.
iv) Avoid high temperature saunas, hot tubs, hot baths, multi-layer underwear, tight underwear.
v) Avoid hot spicy food.
vi) Avoid constipation: Straining at stools. Avoid refined food. Increase dietary fiber, raw salads, fruit and whole grain.

Taking down the pants of the male partner and clinical examination of the male genitalia (and not necessarily Laparoscopy of the female partner).

Surgery halts the damage to the spermatogenesis process caused by Varicocele. Nature tries to correct and improve upon the existing damage. Some drugs may be prescribed for 6 months to one year to augment the spermatogenesis. There are no specific drugs that will cure Varicocele or Increase sperm count.

The whole process of spermatogenesis from the spermatogonia to the release of the spermatozoon takes about 70–75 days, thus Sperms live in your body 78 days from the beginning of their development until ejaculation. It thus takes a minimum of four months after surgery, to see improvement in semen analysis. Improvement will continue for up to two years.

After 15 to 20 days.

Absorbable stitches are put below the skin (sub-cuticular) in a continuous fashion. They need not be removed, but get absorbed in the body.

It takes 25 to 30 minutes, both sides.

The patient has to take oral medications as prescribed. He should not wet the dressing. The dressing is removed after 72 hours. Long distance traveling can be undertaken after 7 to 10 days. Exercise and strenuous physical activity can be undertaken only after 4 weeks.

You can return home immediately after surgery. Routine travel can be undertaken immediately. Routine office activity can be resumed after 24 hours.

There is a transient dull pull sensation when the spermatic cord is handled during surgery. It is mild and bearable. However, anxious patients may opt for General Anaesthesia where he is made fully unconscious

Yes. Subclinical Varicocele with abnormal semen analysis, usually contributes to male infertility. Varicocele causes progressive testicular damage over time. Surgical correction not only halts the damage, but can also reverse it.

Usually Varicocele is asymptomatic. It is detected when the patient is evaluated for possible male factor in an infertile marriage. The presence of abnormal semen parameters (Oligo-astheno-terato-zoospermia ) and / or diminished testicular size points to Varicocele as a cause of infertility.

The sexual act and fertility are not directly related to each other. One could be impotent yet fertile. At the same time, a sexually potent man may not be fertile. Fact: In 50% of childless marriages, the male factor is the major cause of the couple’s inability to conceive.