Testicular Varicocele

Symptoms

• Aching pain in the scrotum, especially after prolonged standing or physical activity
• A sense of heaviness in the scrotum
• Lump(s) in the scrotum that may feel like a bag of worms
• Shrunken testicle on the affected side (usually left)
• Infertility or low sperm count (varicoceles are the most common correctable cause of male infertility)

It’s important to note that not all men with varicoceles will experience symptoms. In many cases, a varicocele is discovered during a routine physical exam.

Causes

The exact cause of varicoceles is unknown, but they are thought to be related to malfunctioning valves in the veins that drain blood from the testicles. Normally, these valves help keep blood flowing in one direction. If the valves become weak or damaged, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge.

Risk Factors

• Family history of varicoceles
• Having a large scrotum

Diagnosis

Varicoceles can usually be diagnosed during a physical exam. The doctor will feel the scrotum to check for enlarged veins. In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other causes of scrotal swelling.

Treatment

Many men with varicoceles do not require treatment, especially if they are not experiencing any symptoms. However, if a varicocele is causing pain or infertility, there are several treatment options available. These include:

• Embolization: A minimally invasive procedure that involves blocking the enlarged veins (Click here to read more on Testicular vein embolization for varicoceles)
• Laparoscopic surgery: A surgical procedure that involves tying off the enlarged veins.
• Open surgery: A traditional surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the scrotum to tie off the enlarged veins.