Varicoceles - Enlarged Veins and Male Fertility

Varicoceles are enlarged veins within the scrotum that may cause discomfort or impact male fertility.

Varicoceles FAQ

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Where does varicoceles occur?

It occurs next to and above one testicle (testis) or both testes (testicles). Varicoceles affect the veins 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 side of the scrotum.

What are varicoceles in the scrotum?

Varicoceles are when the pampiniform plexus veins in the scrotum become enlarged. These veins are like varicose veins (twisted, swollen veins found in the leg.) Varicoceles form during puberty. They can grow larger, and you may notice them more over time. Varicoceles are more common on the left side of the scrotum.

Are varicoceles a symptom of a varicose vein?

Varicoceles are similar to varicose veins. Varicose veins cause veins in your legs to swell and lose their shape. Varicoceles are usually painless but can sometimes cause testicular pain, which may come and go.

What causes varicoceles?

One explanation for varicoceles is that the valves in the spermatic cords, which carry blood to and from the testicles, stop working correctly. Why this happens is not entirely clear, but it is similar to what happens when varicose veins occur in the leg. One-way valves in the veins should always allow blood to flow toward the heart.

What is varicocele (var-IH-Koe-Seel)?

Varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) describes a condition with swollen and enlarged veins in the scrotum (Figure 1). These veins carry blood from the testicles that is low in oxygen and nutrients. Swelling can happen when blood flows backward in the veins. Varicoceles are similar to varicose veins in the leg.

What does a varicocele look like?

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

What is a varicocele enlargement?

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. A varicocele occurs when blood pools in the veins rather than circulating efficiently out of the scrotum.