Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Urology (Expert Forum)
chronic marijuana use and varicocele
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
chronic marijuana use and varicocele
by woried__0__0, Aug 31, 1998 12:00AM
my boyfriend has been diagnosed with a left side varicocele. I'm not sure what causes these; maybe they just happen. I was wondering however if years of daily marijuana use could promote a varicocele, since marijuana constricts the blood vessels. Is it possible the two could be linked? If not, what are the most common causes of varicoceles?
=================
Dear Worried
Thanks for your questions.
Varicoceles are believed to be congenital ( born with) but very few can be acquired ( obtained during life). The most common by far is the congenital and are usually on the left side. Like varicose veins in the legs, the valves of the veins become inoperable, the flow becomes sluggish or reverses and this causes the veins to swell. It has been estimated that about 10 percent of males have a varicocele, although most are not noticeable.
Marijuana has not been associated directly with varicoceles but both are well known a risk factors for male infertility, i.e. low sperm counts/ motility/ abnormal sperm morphology .
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: varicoceles
=================
Dear Worried
Thanks for your questions.
Varicoceles are believed to be congenital ( born with) but very few can be acquired ( obtained during life). The most common by far is the congenital and are usually on the left side. Like varicose veins in the legs, the valves of the veins become inoperable, the flow becomes sluggish or reverses and this causes the veins to swell. It has been estimated that about 10 percent of males have a varicocele, although most are not noticeable.
Marijuana has not been associated directly with varicoceles but both are well known a risk factors for male infertility, i.e. low sperm counts/ motility/ abnormal sperm morphology .
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: varicoceles
