What Are Varicoceles?

A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of veins around the testicle in the scrotum. A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein that can appear in the leg. A varicocele usually occurs on the left side. However, it may occur on the right or on both sides. Approximately 15 percent of men in the United States will experience a varicocele.

Varicocele and infertility

Varicocele is a common cause of low sperm production and low sperm quality, which may cause infertility. Approximately 40 percent of men who have had difficulty conceiving will have a varicocele. Most varicoceles are easy to diagnose and do not need treatment. If it causes any symptoms, doctors can repair it surgically or by interventional methods.

How do varicoceles affect the testicle?

Researchers are trying to determine how varicoceles damage the testicles. The testicles hang below the body because normal testicular function requires temperatures slightly cooler than the rest of the body. Normal testicular blood flow helps regulate this temperature difference.

Doctors believe that the varicocele impairs the testicle’s ability to regulate the temperature. The elevated temperature may disrupt normal testicular function.

Symptoms of varicocele  

Many times, varicoceles don’t cause any symptoms. Some men may experience discomfort that they often describe it as a dull ache or heaviness. Other symptoms include pain and infertility. Learn more about symptoms of varicocele.

Treatment for varicocele

The main treatment options for varicocele are:

• Surgery: A urologic surgeon ties off the abnormal veins.
• Radiologic therapy: Physicians use a catheter to block the blood flow to the veins.

Learn more about treatment for varicocele.

How do varicoceles hurt the testicle?

An area of active male reproductive health research involves determining the exact mechanisms of varicocele-induced testicular damage. We know that the testicles hang below the body because normal testicular function requires temperatures slightly cooler than the rest of the body. Normal testicular blood flow helps regulate this temperature difference. It is believed that the abnormally large veins (varicoceles) impair normal temperature regulation and elevate scrotal temperatures enough to disrupt testicular function. Other theories that also have supporting evidence suggest that oxidative damage, accumulation of toxins, and elevated pressures may also contribute to varicocele-induced injury.