Have you been recently diagnosed with varicocele? It’s important to follow the treatment recommended by your doctor in order to keep the problem from worsening as well to dodge some of its possible complications such as shrinkage of the affected testicle and infertility.
There is no need for you to panic thinking that you will no longer be able to have a baby. That’s because not all males with varicocele are infertile, although the number of sperm may be diminished. It’s no secret that low sperm count can reduce your chances of having a baby. However, having reduced number of sperm can be remedied.
Aside from the treatment your doctor deems important for your condition, there are also some lifestyle and home remedies that you may go for in order to manage your varicocele naturally. Here are some of the things that you may do:
Put on an Athletic Supporter
Pressure in the affected area can be reduced by something as simple as wearing an athletic supporter. Also known as jock strap, it’s an item athletes wear in order to protect the genitalia as they engage in their chosen sports. An athletic supporter can be easily purchased at sporting goods stores.
Drink Plenty of Water
Make sure that you drink 8 to 12 glasses of water per day. Aside from warding off dehydration, this will also help flush out toxins that have accumulated in the body, thus helping in the management of varicocele. Drinking plenty of water also helps improve blood circulation, keeping your problem from worsening.
Quit Cigarette Smoking
It’s no secret that cigarette smoking is bad for you. This habit should be eliminated especially if you have varicocele because it can impede blood circulation by damaging your blood vessels. You don’t want to aggravate the affected blood vessels in the scrotum area because it may exacerbate your varicocele.
Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a well-known booster of the immunity and beautifier of the skin. Did you know that this nutrient, which is actually a type of antioxidant, is also necessary for healthier and stronger blood vessels? That is why the likes of citrus fruits, kiwis, papayas, berries, guavas, bell peppers, broccoli and dark green leafy vegetables are good for you.
Avoid Saturated Fats
Saturated fats present in a lot of animal-based food products are bad for the cardiovascular system. They are also not recommendable for a person with varicocele as they can impede proper blood circulation, including in your scrotum area. Improve blood circulation by eating nuts, seeds, fish and vegetable oils that are high in good fats.
Steer Clear of Sugar and Processed Foods
Sugar is something that can trigger inflammation, thus promoting a sluggish circulatory system. This is the reason why you should limit your consumption of anything sugary. Likewise, you should do your best to avoid processed foods to prevent the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream.
Exercise Moderately
There are a couple of reasons why having your regular dose of moderate exercise is good for you. First, exercising helps improve blood circulation. Second, it helps increase sperm count. Studies have shown that sedentary males had 50% lower sperm count than males with active lifestyle.
Try Some Sperm Count-Boosting Herbs
Certain herbs are said to be very good at increasing sperm count, thus boosting your chances of having a baby despite of suffering from varicocele. Garlic and panax ginseng are some of the most well-known of these herbs. Many traditional healers also recommend ashwagandha, tribulus and maca root.
Take OTC Painkillers for Pain
Pain is one of the symptoms of varicocele, which is something that can be managed easily with the intake of painkillers available over the counter. You may also opt for a cold sitz bath each time the problem is bugging you.
