A varicocele is enlarged veins in the scrotum. Varicoceles are usually the result of faulty valves in the testicular veins of your scrotum. They are the leading cause of male infertility, but can also be asymptomatic. Only about 5?10% of men with the disease experience symptoms of pain, and about 15?20% impaired testosterone.
Conventional treatments can be expensive and are often accompanied by undesirable side effects like varicocele redevelopment, hydrocele, and scarring.
This has prompted people to look for how to cure varicocele naturally at home. There is much debate, but do natural natural treatments really work?
This article explores 5 home remedies for varicocele that are backed by science.
1. Yoga Treatments
Yoga contains various poses that can promote blood circulation to the testis.
Like other forms of exercising, yoga can also help improve fertility.[1, 2]
Yoga poses have been shown to improve blood flow to the testicles.[3]
In particular, inversions are the best way to drain and reduce varicocele swelling.[4]
How to Perform
Some of the best poses yoga poses that you can perform are:
- Bridge pose: Hold for 10 breaths, rest for 10 breaths, repeat 10 times everyday.
- Supported shoulder stand: Hold for 30?50 breaths, repeat 3 times per day.
- Meditation breathing can also be beneficial. Therefore focus on long duration breathing, minimum 100 breaths everyday.
2. Take Horse Chestnut Supplement
Horse chestnut seed extract (active ingredient aescin) is a plant. Its seed Its used to make an herbal supplement medicine.[5]
It has a long history of use in folk medicine for treating varicose veins.[6]
Horse chestnut contains a poison called esculin and can cause death if eaten raw. However, the extract is generally safe and has no side effects.[7]
How to Perform
- The ideal dose is estimated between 100?200 mg of aescin per day.
- Combine with Hawthorn extract for best results.
- Do not exceed 6 months of use.
- Avoid taking a high dose of this supplement.
3. Perform Cooling Showers
Cooling is a method of reducing the body?s temperature. Testicular overheating is a major cause of concern for men with varicoceles, and can also cause infertility.[8]
It is shown to reduce inflammation markers.[9]
Of note for varicocele, cooling can improve vein contractility and reduce the swelling of the veins.[10]
How to Perform
- While taking a shower, run cold water over your testicles for 15?30 seconds.
- It helps to wash the whole scrotum, including the pubic area with cold water, because the veins run throughout the entire region.
- Perform cooling treatments as many times as needed per day to reduce testicular temperature but avoid over cooling.
4. Make Dietary Restrictions
The food that you include in your diet are a major cause of concern for varicocele treatment.
A diet high in antioxidants can help protect the testicular veins from the damaging effects of oxidizing chemicals.[11]
Antioxidants have also been found to reduce varicocele progression and improve fertility.[12]
Fiber is also of special importance because constipation can be a risk for varicocele progression.[13]
How to Perform
- Regular intake of high antioxidant and fiber foods is recommended.
- 13 foods that are high in antioxidants: Goji berries, blue berries, dark chocolate, kale, Swiss chard, green tea, red wine, pecans, elderberries, cranberries, cilantro, cauliflower, and beans.
- 8 fiber rich foods examples: Beans and peas, artichoke, avocados, chia seeds, collard greens, broccoli, raspberries, and oats.
5. Varicocele Supportive Underwear
Varicocele underwear provides scrotal support that can reduce swelling by reducing swelling.[14]
Scrotal supporters provide compression to reduce the back-flow of blood to the testicles.[15]
Many urologists recommend scrotal supporters for varicocele.[16]
Scrotal supporters can provide pain relief.[17]
How to Perform
- Varicocele therapeutic underwear must: First be cooling, and second provide support.
- Avoid supporters that overheat the testicles.
- Use everyday, and during exercise. Avoid use at night when sleeping.
Summary
Varicocele is the leading cause of male infertility with a number of underlying causes. However, conventional treatment (surgery) can lead to testicular damage, scarring, and persistent recurrent varicoceles.
Fortunately, many natural remedies can also be effective. The results of these home remedies do vary, but they are very much worth trying.
In conclusion, you may want to consult a urologist if you have a sever varicocele.
