Varicocele
A varicocele is a swelling of veins in the scrotum. The scrotum is the sac that contains the testicles. Varicoceles can occur on either side of the scrotum but are more common on the left side. They occur most often in teenage boys and young men.
In most cases, varicoceles are not a serious problem. Many are small and painless and do not require treatment. Tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may be needed if:
• A varicocele is large, causes a lot of pain, or causes pain when exercising.
• Varicoceles are found on both sides of the scrotum.
• The testicle on the opposite side is absent or not normal.
• A varicocele causes a decrease in the size of the testicle in a growing adolescent.
• The person has fertility problems.
CAUSES …show more content…
Valves in the veins help to return blood from the scrotum and testicles to the heart. If these valves do not work well, blood flows backward and backs up into the veins, causing the vein to swell. This is similar to what happens when varicose veins form in the leg.
SYMPTOMS
Most varicoceles do not cause any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Swelling on one side of the scrotum. The swelling may be more obvious when you are standing up.
• A lumpy feeling in the scrotum.
• A heavy feeling on one side of the scrotum.
• A dull ache in the scrotum, especially after exercise or prolonged standing or sitting.
• Slower growth or reduced size of the testicle on the side of the varicocele (in young males).
• Problems with fertility. This can occur if the testicle does not grow normally.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed with a physical exam. An imaging test called an ultrasound is sometimes done to confirm the diagnosis and to help rule out other causes of the swelling.
A varicocele is a swelling of veins in the scrotum. The scrotum is the sac that contains the testicles. Varicoceles can occur on either side of the scrotum but are more common on the left side. They occur most often in teenage boys and young men.
In most cases, varicoceles are not a serious problem. Many are small and painless and do not require treatment. Tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may be needed if:
• A varicocele is large, causes a lot of pain, or causes pain when exercising.
• Varicoceles are found on both sides of the scrotum.
• The testicle on the opposite side is absent or not normal.
• A varicocele causes a decrease in the size of the testicle in a growing adolescent.
• The person has fertility problems.
CAUSES …show more content…
Valves in the veins help to return blood from the scrotum and testicles to the heart. If these valves do not work well, blood flows backward and backs up into the veins, causing the vein to swell. This is similar to what happens when varicose veins form in the leg.
SYMPTOMS
Most varicoceles do not cause any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Swelling on one side of the scrotum. The swelling may be more obvious when you are standing up.
• A lumpy feeling in the scrotum.
• A heavy feeling on one side of the scrotum.
• A dull ache in the scrotum, especially after exercise or prolonged standing or sitting.
• Slower growth or reduced size of the testicle on the side of the varicocele (in young males).
• Problems with fertility. This can occur if the testicle does not grow normally.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed with a physical exam. An imaging test called an ultrasound is sometimes done to confirm the diagnosis and to help rule out other causes of the swelling.