Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins in the scrotum draining the testicles.

Causes

• The valves within the veins along the spermatic cord don't work properly.
• Compression of the venous drainage of the testicle .

Symptoms

Symptoms of varicocele may include

• Dragging and aching pain in the scrotum
• Feeling of heaviness in the testicle(s)
• Infertility
• Shrinkage (atrophy) of the testicle(s)
• Visible or palpable (able to be felt) enlarged vein

Treatment

• Varicocelectomy surgically "tying off" the affected spermatic veins Alternative

• Embolization
• Laparoscopic repair