Varicocele
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein that can occur in your leg. Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility. However, not all varicoceles affect sperm production. Varicoceles can also cause testicles to fail to develop normally or shrink. Most varicoceles develop over time. Fortunately, most varicoceles are easy to diagnose and many don’t need treatment. If a varicocele causes symptoms, it often can be repaired surgically.
A Varicocele Often Produces No Signs Or Symptoms. Rarely, It May Cause Pain. The Pain May:
- Vary From Sharp To Dull Discomfort
- Increase With Standing Or Physical Exertion, Especially Over Long Periods
- Become Worse Over The Course Of A Day
- Be Relieved When You Lie On Your Back
With time, varicoceles may enlarge and become more noticeable. In young men, the presence of a varicocele impairs sperm production and can often be improved with treatment.
Symptoms
The veins in your scrotum carry blood away from the testicles towards the heart – small valves within the veins normally prevent blood flowing in the other direction. However, if these valves do not work properly, some blood can back-up increasing pressure and causing veins to enlarge, creating a varicocele.
Varicoceles almost always affect the left scrotum and most commonly occur in men between the ages of 15 and 25 years. The reason varicoceles develop is not fully understood. They usually develop slowly and may produce no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- A Dull Aching Or Throbbing Pain (Or In Rare Cases Sharp And Stabbing Pain) In One Or Both Testicles
- A Dragging Or Heavy Feeling In The Scrotum
- Swelling In The Scrotum (This Is Often Described As Feeling Like "A Bag Of Worms")
- The Testicle On The Side Of The Swelling Is Often Smaller, Due To Alterations In Blood Flow