What is varicocele and how can I deal with it?

What is varicocele and how can I deal with it?

A varicocele is a collection of enlarged (dilated) veins (blood vessels) in the scrotum. It occurs next to and above one or both of the testes (testicles).

The affected veins are those that travel in the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord is like a 'tube' that goes from each testis up towards the lower abdomen. You can feel the spermatic cord above each testis in the upper part of the scrotum. The spermatic cord contains the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testes to the penis), blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves.

Normally, you cannot see or feel the veins in the spermatic cord that carry the blood from the testes. If you have a varicocele, the veins become bigger (they enlarge or dilate) and this makes them more prominent. It is similar to varicose veins of the legs. The size of a varicocele can vary. A large varicocele is sometimes said to look and feel like 'a bag of worms' in the scrotum.

Who gets a varicocele?

Varicoceles are common. About 1 in 7 men develop a varicocele - usually between the ages of 15 and 25. In about half of cases the varicocele is on the left hand side. In just under half of cases there is one on both sides. In a small number of cases it is on the right side. The reason why most occur on the left side is because of the different route the left veins takes out of the scrotum compared to the right.

What are the symptoms?
Varicoceles are usually painless and usually cause no symptoms. Some men may notice a 'dragging' feeling or slight discomfort from their varicocele. This may only occur at the end of a day, especially if you are on your feet all day. The size of a varicocele varies from case to case. Some cannot be seen, only felt. Some are large and can be easily seen. If you lie down, the blood from the veins drains away and the varicocele may seem to disappear. On standing, gravity will cause the blood to pool again and the varicocele reappears.

Are varicoceles serious?

Usually not. In themselves they are usually harmless. Causes of concern include the following:

Possible cause of infertility
Studies have shown that there is a higher rate of infertility in men with a varicocele compared to those who did not have a varicocele. It is thought that the pooled blood causes a slightly higher temperature in the scrotum than normal. This may reduce the number and quality of sperm made by the testis which can reduce fertility. Even if you have a varicocele only on one side, both testes can be warmed by the increased amount of blood pooled in the enlarged veins.

However, most men with varicoceles are not infertile. It is just that the chance of being infertile is increased if you have a varicocele.

Small testis
The testis on the side of the varicocele may become smaller, or not develop as much as the other side. This may contribute to infertility too.

Sudden onset of a varicocele in an older man
Rarely, a varicocele is a symptom of a blockage of a larger vein in the abdomen (see below).

What causes varicoceles?


In most cases, the reason why the veins become larger is because the valves of the small veins in the scrotum do not function well. At intervals along the veins are one-way valves. The valves open to allow blood to flow towards the heart, but close when blood tends to flow backwards.

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