How serious is a grade 1 subclinical varicoele?
I'm 35 years old, and I was just diagnosed with a grade 1 varicocele. Of course I drew a blank while with my doctor, so rather than wait two months for another appointment, I'm glad that I can ask these questions here:
- can a grade 1 varicocele affect fertility? My wife and I are trying to conceive.
- my sperm count is 10 mil, but my motility and everything else are fine. Is my varicocele and low sperm count related? Why or why not?
- about 5 years ago I experienced a 'dull ache' in my testicles. It either eventually went away, or I just got used to it. After researching online (big mistake I know), I read that swollen varicoceles can cause this. Can a grade 1 varicocele cause this? I only ask because the ache only returned after I got the news. Is it all in my head?
- can varicoceles get worse? over time, can it go from a grade 1 to a grade 3? Can grade 1 develop to the "worm" stage?
- if the ache does not go away, should I consider surgery? Would that help my fertility chances as well?
Thanks for your help.