A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds your testicles (scrotum). A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein you might see in your leg.

Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility. However, not all varicoceles affect sperm production. Varicoceles can also cause testicles to fail to develop normally or shrink.

SYMPTOMS OF VARICOCELE

A varicocele often produces no signs or symptoms. Rarely, it might cause pain. The pain may:

• Vary from sharp to dull discomfort
• Increase with standing or physical exertion, especially over long periods
• Worsen over the course of a day
• Be relieved when you lie on your back
• Impaired fertility

With time, varicoceles might enlarge and become more noticeable. A varicocele has been described as looking like a “bag of worms.” The condition might cause a swollen testicle, almost always on the left side.

CAUSES OF VARICOCELE

Your spermatic cord carries blood to and from your testicles. It’s not certain what causes it.

However, many experts believe a it forms when the valves inside the veins in the cord prevent your blood from flowing properly. The resulting backup causes the veins to widen (dilate). This might cause damage to the testicle and result in worsened fertility.

Varicoceles often form during puberty. Varicoceles usually occur on the left side, most likely because of the position of the left testicular vein.

COMPLICATIONS

A varicocele might cause:

• Shrinkage of the affected testicle (atrophy).The bulk of the testicle comprises sperm-producing tubules. When damaged, as from varicocele, the testicle shrinks and softens. It’s not clear what causes the testicle to shrink, but the malfunctioning valves allow blood to pool in the veins, which can result in increased pressure in the veins and exposure to toxins in the blood that may cause testicular damage.
• Varicoceles might keep the local temperature in or around the testicle too high, affecting sperm formation, movement (motility) and function.