Varicocele
What is it?: Essentially a varicose vein within the testicle.

What are the main symptoms?: Varicoceles are often painless and almost always located on the left testicle.  There can be a swelling that is often described as feeling like a warm tangle of worms. Fertility problems. It's thought that the accumulation of blood overheats the testicle and affects sperm production, although not all men with a varicocele are infertile. Who is at risk?: Approximately 10-15 percent of men develop a varicocele.

What causes it?: A damaged valve in the vein draining blood from the testicle.
How can I prevent it?: You can't.

Should do I see a doctor?: Yes to rule out any more serious conditions.

Varicoceles can usually be diagnosed through manual examination.

What are the main treatments?:Usually none, although if you're uncomfortable you may be advised to wear supportive underwear. If you have a fertility problem, however, it is possible to tackle the varicocele with a variety of surgical techniques.

How can I help myself?: There's not much you can do.What's the future?: Good, but varicoceles can sometimes recur.

Hydrocele
What is it?: A swelling in the scrotum, caused by a harmless build-up of fluid within the sacs surrounding the testicles.

What are the main symptoms?: A soft and usually painless swelling of the scrotum. Sometimes the swelling can be as large as a grapefruit.

What is the risk?: Low.

What causes it?: A build-up of fluid in the scrotum, sometimes caused by an injury to the testicles or following infection or inflammation.

How can I prevent it?: It's not easy to prevent, except by protecting the testicles during sport or potentially risky work.

Should I see a doctor?: Yes to rule out any more serious conditions. The doctor will examine the testicles.

What are the main treatments? : Usually none, unless the swelling has become very large or uncomfortable. Hydroceles can be drained using a syringe or, more commonly, surgery is used to remove the whole hydrocele. How can I help myself?: There's not much you can do.What's the outlook?: Most serious cases can be permanently treated.

Epididymitis
What is it?: An inflammation of the epididymis, the tube that transports sperm from the testicle towards the penis. If the swelling affects the testicle as well as the epididymis, the condition is known as epididymo-orchitis.

What are the main symptoms?: Severe pain in the scrotum . A swollen area that may feel hot to the touch . Fever may also occur.

What causes it?: In adults the condition may follow an infection. Bacteria can sometimes find their way to the epididymis as a consequence of infection with the common bacteria that cause urinary infections or by other organisms. How can I prevent it?: The risk of epididymitis being caused as a result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be reduced by always practising safer sex (i.e. using a condom during intercourse).

Should I see a doctor?: Yes. A urine test can diagnose the condition. Your doctor will make the diagnosis and exclude other potentially important conditions.

What are the main treatments?: Antibiotics (if it's a bacterial infection). You may also be advised to rest in bed, take painkillers (e.g. paracetemol or ibuprofen), and even apply an ice-pack to the scrotum.

How can I help myself?: Follow your doctor's orders and be patient - epididymitis can take several months to clear up completely.

What's the outlook?: Good, although sometimes the scrotum remains somewhat enlarged.
prof@cardiacclinic.co.bw