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What is a Varicocele?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein, but it occurs only in men in the region of the testicles, usually above the left testicle. It is quite common, and occurs in over 10% of men, often appearing in adolescence or early adulthood. It is essentially an enlargement of one or more pampiniform plexus veins, which drain blood from the testes. Research suggests that development of these enlarged veins may be due to slightly abnormalities in the way the veins work.

There may be few symptoms of a varicocele except a notable enlargement or bump that is clearly an enlarged vein. If squeezed it is usually not tender and feels somewhat firm. However, it is possible for varicoceles to enlarge more. Sometimes they may also cause pain, especially when sitting for long periods of time or if a person spends a day doing heavy work or exerting himself.

A variocele occurs near the testicle.
A variocele occurs near the testicle.

A possible complication of this condition is that it may produce infertility in some men, and an examination of causes of infertility would include making sure that a man does not have a varicocele. Another potential complication of an untreated varicocele is testicular atrophy (shrinkage) of a testicle. These complications don’t always occur, and treatment of this condition may only be indicated when they do, or if the varicocele is very large and/or causing pain.

Surgery is sometimes needed to correct varicose veins on testicles.
Surgery is sometimes needed to correct varicose veins on testicles.

Several methods may be employed to remove a varicocele. These include a few different open surgical techniques, which are often the most common repair methods. Surgeons may work from an incision in the abdomen or below the groin while a patient is under anesthesia (often local or conscious sedation). The dilated veins are located and removed (ligated or cut). Open surgical techniques are often performed as outpatient surgery and tend to be very successful. Men who have these surgeries may need to spend a few weeks recovering before resuming normal activities and may not be able to do any heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.

Open surgery is the most common method of treating varicocele.
Open surgery is the most common method of treating varicocele.

Other methods to remove a varicocele can include those that employ laparoscopy, though this isn’t a common method in many countries. Another option is called varicocele embolization, which is relatively new, and may sometimes be dismissed as a poor option. This uses catheterization to block a vein so that the dilated veins disappear. Studies on this method suggest it can be extremely effective and it has the advantage of quick recovery time. Still, many doctors feel open surgery is the best option, but medical opinion on the most successful treatment is certainly subject to change.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

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    • A variocele occurs near the testicle.
      By: isyste
      A variocele occurs near the testicle.
    • Surgery is sometimes needed to correct varicose veins on testicles.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Surgery is sometimes needed to correct varicose veins on testicles.
    • Open surgery is the most common method of treating varicocele.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Open surgery is the most common method of treating varicocele.
    • A varicocele can be painful and cause a man to become infertile.
      By: JadePhotography
      A varicocele can be painful and cause a man to become infertile.
    • A varicocele is essentially an enlargement of one or more pampiniform plexus veins, which drain blood from the testes.
      By: joshya
      A varicocele is essentially an enlargement of one or more pampiniform plexus veins, which drain blood from the testes.
    • A patient will be put under anesthesia during the removal of a varicocele.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      A patient will be put under anesthesia during the removal of a varicocele.
    • Men who have undergone varicocele surgery should not perform any heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.
      By: Michael Flippo
      Men who have undergone varicocele surgery should not perform any heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.