Varicocele
A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement in the scrotum. The varicocele occurs when the valves within the veins do not work properly. This is essentially the same process as varicose veins. A majority of varicoceles occur on the left side.
TreatmentsAbout Varicoceles
Varicocele is the medical term for varicose veins in the scrotum. Varicoceles form in the veins that run along the spermatic cord. Blood from the testicles flows back into the body along those veins. Varicoceles form in a similar way to varicose veins in the legs, where blood builds up in the veins causing permanent swelling.
Varicoceles do not normally cause any symptoms, but swelling, tension or pain in the testicles can sometimes occur as a result.
Varicoceles are quite common. Around 15% of all men have a varicocele during their life.
It is thought that a varicocele can affect fertility. Men with low fertility often have varicoceles. It is estimated that around 25% of all men with poor quality sperm have a varicocele. However, it does not always affect fertility and many men with varicoceles do not have fertility problems… Read more about Varicocele