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    What Is a Varicocele?

    A varicocele is a swelling in the veins above the testicles. It's similar to having varicose veins in the legs. The swelling occurs when too much blood collects in the veins because they're damaged. A varicocele most often occurs around the left testicle.

    Front view of male genitals with varicocele.

    How to say it

    VAYR-ih-koh-SEEL

    Veins in the scrotum

    The scrotum is a sac of skin that covers the testicles. These are the male sex organs that make sperm and the male hormones. Blood vessels in the scrotum carry blood to and from the testicles. The vessels that carry blood away from the testicles are called veins.

    When there’s a problem in the veins

    The veins that carry blood from the testicles extend up into the groin. That means the blood has to travel upward a long way. Valves in the veins act like gates to keep the blood from flowing back toward the testicles. In some people, these valves don’t close fully. Or the muscles in the walls of the veins may be weak. Then some blood flows back into the scrotum and collects in the veins above the testicles. This makes the veins enlarge.

    What are the symptoms?

    A varicocele often causes no symptoms at all. Or it may cause an achy or heavy feeling in the scrotum. The pain may be worse later in the day or after standing for a long time. You may also see swollen veins just under the skin in the scrotum.

    A varicocele can lower sperm count

    When blood collects in the veins above the testicles, changes occur. These changes can reduce the number and the quality of the sperm. In many cases, sperm count improves after treatment.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2023
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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