A varicocele is like varicose veins of the small veins (blood vessels) next to one testicle (testis) or both testicles (testes). It usually causes no symptoms. It may cause discomfort in a small number of cases. Having a varicocele is thought to increase the chance of being infertile but most men with a varicocele are not infertile. Treatment is not usually needed, as most men do not have any symptoms or problems caused by the varicocele. If required, an operation can clear a varicocele. There is no agreement among experts as to whether the treatment of a varicocele will cure infertility. If you are infertile and have a varicocele, it is best to discuss this with a specialist who will be up to date on current research and thinking in this area.
A varicocele is a collection of enlarged (dilated) veins (blood vessels) in the scrotum. A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds the testicles (scrotum). These veins transport oxygen-depleted blood from the testicles. It occurs next to and above one testicle (testis) or both 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 tummy (abdomen). You can feel the spermatic cord above each testis in the upper part of the scrotum. The spermatic cord contains the tube that carries sperm from the testes to the penis (the vas deferens), 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 dilate) and this makes them more noticeable. 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.
About 1 in 7 men develops 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 just on the right side. The reason why most occur on the left side is because of the different route the left veins take out of the scrotum compared with the right.
Varicoceles are usually painless and usually cause no symptoms. A small number of affected men notice a dragging feeling or slight discomfort from their varicocele. This may only occur at the end of the 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.
In most cases, the reason why the veins (blood vessels) become larger is that the valves of the small veins in the scrotum do not function well. There are one-way valves at intervals along the veins. The valves open to allow blood to flow towards the heart but close when blood flow slows to stop blood from flowing backward.
If these valves do not work well, blood can flow backward (due to gravity) and pool in the lower parts of the vein to form a varicocele. (This is similar to how varicose veins form in legs.) It is not clear why the valves do not work well.
A varicocele may (rarely) develop if there is a blockage of larger veins higher in the tummy (abdomen). This puts back-pressure on the smaller veins in the scrotum which then enlarge (dilate). This is only likely to occur in men older than 40. For example, if a varicocele suddenly develops in an older man, it may indicate a tumor of the kidney has developed which is pressing on veins.
It must be stressed; the vast majority of varicoceles develop in teenagers and young men and are not due to a serious condition.
Usually not. Most varicoceles occur in young healthy men. The diagnosis is made by a doctor’s examination. A varicocele is associated with some cases of infertility. Therefore, a semen test may be asked for if you are part of a couple being investigated for infertility. In the rare situation of a varicocele first developing in a man over 40, tests to check out a possible underlying cause may be advised. Also, a solitary right-sided varicocele is unusual.
If this occurs, you may need some tests to rule out any unusual cause.
No active treatment is needed in most cases,
If a varicocele is causing no symptoms or problems, then it is best left alone. If there is just mild discomfort, supportive underpants (rather than boxer shorts) may help to ease or prevent discomfort. If a varicocele develops in a teenager, then your doctor may wish to monitor the growth of the testicles (testes). For example, an annual measurement of the testes may be advised. This may help to clarify if a testis is not growing to its full size.
Treatment may be advised in certain situations
For example, treatment may be advised if you have persistent discomfort. Also, treatment may be advised if a testis is not growing properly in a teenager with a varicocele.
Treatment involves tying off the veins that are enlarged. Another method of treatment is to use a special substance injected into the veins (blood vessels) to block them. Both methods are usually successful. Your surgeon will advise on the pros and cons of the different techniques.
However, after successful treatment, some men have a return (recurrence) of varicocele months or years later.
This is because the veins left behind to do the job of taking the blood from the testes may themselves enlarge (dilate) with the extra blood they will now have to carry. A recurrence can be treated in the same way as the first time.
Probably not – but there is debate about this. For many years it was thought that treating a varicocele in an infertile man would increase his chance of becoming fertile again. Studies have shown that, after treatment, the sperm count often improves. This was assumed to increase the chance of fertility. Some studies did indicate that fertility may be increased with treatment.
A large analysis of studies looked at this issue. The review found that there was no good evidence to say that fertility is increased by treatment. However, research done since this review suggested that treatment could improve fertility in some cases. If you are infertile, your specialist will advise on current research and thinking related to this issue.
And remember, most men with a varicocele are not infertile.
Varicoceles are caused by poor blood flow in the veins within the scrotum, leading to enlargement. This can be due to weak or malfunctioning valves in the veins, which allow blood to pool.
Non-surgical treatments for varicocele include lifestyle changes, such as wearing supportive underwear and avoiding heavy lifting. In some cases, embolization, a minimally invasive procedure, may be recommended.
Testicular torsion is a medical emergency where the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood flow to the testicle. Varicocele, on the other hand, is an enlargement of veins within the scrotum, typically not requiring urgent treatment.
Yes, varicoceles can affect testosterone production in some cases, especially if they are large. Reduced testosterone levels may impact fertility and overall health, making treatment necessary for some men.
Varicoceles generally do not go away on their own. While mild cases may not require treatment, larger varicoceles that cause symptoms or affect fertility might need medical intervention.
