Ayurvedic management of varicocele associated with oligoasthenozoospermia and erectile dysfunction: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction : Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility and is often associated with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and erectile dysfunction. Although surgery remains the mainstay of conventional management, recurrence and unresolved functional issues still present challenges. Ayurvedic literature offers a distinct perspective by correlating varicocele with siragranthi in vrishana, attributed to vata-pitta vitiation.

Case Presentation : A 40-year-old male with primary infertility of 12 years presented with varicocele, scrotal pain, oligoasthenozoospermia, and erectile dysfunction. He had a past history of varicocelectomy and was later diagnosed with bilateral varicocele. The condition was diagnosed as siragranthi of vrishana and, based on the basic principles of Ayurveda, managed through rookshana, snehapana, virechana, yogavasti, raktamokshana, and shamana therapies using classical formulations.

Outcome : Within two months, the patient showed marked improvement in semen parameters (from 12 million/ml to 75 million/ml), erectile function (IIEF-5 score improved from 12 to 22), and complete resolution of the right-sided varicocele. Pain and scrotal heaviness subsided significantly, and the left-sided varicocele showed partial improvement.

Conclusion : This case illustrates the potential efficacy of individualized Ayurvedic treatment in addressing varicocele-associated reproductive dysfunction. A multidisciplinary, non-invasive approach focusing on dosha pacification, dhatu nourishment, and srotoshodhana can offer substantial clinical benefits. Further controlled studies are warranted to substantiate these findings.