Struggling couples often focus solely on the woman's health when pregnancy does not occur, yet data reveals that 30 to 40 percent of the time, the biological barrier to conception lies with the male partner. While societal norms often push women toward endless tests, prayers, and herbal remedies, male reproductive health—specifically the count, movement, and shape of sperm—is a critical half of the story that is frequently left untold. A leading but often silent cause of this struggle is varicocele, a condition where the veins inside the scrotum become enlarged, swollen, or twisted. Similar to varicose veins found in the legs, this issue affects roughly 15 percent of the general male population and nearly 40 percent of men facing infertility.
The anatomy of the male reproductive system is purposefully designed with the testicles situated outside the body because they require a cooler environment to function as an efficient "factory" for sperm and testosterone. When the small, one-way valves in the scrotal veins become weak or damaged, blood flows backward and pools, creating a "traffic jam" that raises the internal temperature. According to the sources, this overheating is akin to turning off the air conditioning in a factory; the resulting heat can decimate production, leading to low sperm counts, poor motility, and abnormal sperm shapes. Many men remain asymptomatic until they try to conceive, though some may notice a dull, dragging pain after standing for long periods or observe that one side of the scrotum appears larger than the other. In some cases, the swollen veins may even feel like a "bag of worms" beneath the skin.
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Through the Aproko Doctor TV contribution to public health education, there is a growing push to encourage men to treat testicular health with the same diligence women apply to breast self-examinations. The channel emphasizes that the best time for a check is after a warm shower when the dartos muscle is relaxed, allowing for a clear assessment of the internal structures. By gently rolling each testicle between the fingers to ensure they are smooth and firm, men can identify hard lumps or tangled veins early, potentially catching not just varicocele but also serious issues like testicular cancer or infections.
If a problem is suspected, a doctor can confirm the diagnosis using an ultrasound scan. The primary medical solution is a varicocelectomy, a safe and often quick surgery to tie off the problematic veins and restore proper blood flow, allowing many patients to return home the same day. Beyond surgical intervention, supporting reproductive health involves practical lifestyle adjustments such as wearing supportive underwear, avoiding excessive standing, maintaining a healthy weight, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol, which can further degrade sperm quality. Ultimately, the sources stress that when a couple faces difficulty conceiving, both partners must be willing to be checked. Addressing these issues is not a reflection of a man's masculinity but a necessary step in maintaining long-term wellness and achieving the goal of starting a family.
