Varicocele
What Is It?

A varicocele is a widening of the veins along the
cord that holds up a man's testicles (spermatic
cord)

Similar to varicose veins
General Description (don't copy)

Common cause of low sperm production and
decreased sperm quality


Healthy veins allow blood to drain from testicle
only, but varicoceles allow blood to flow back


Can cause infertility
can affect sperm production (possibly
because of temperature change of the testicle)
Usually do not cause harm and are diagnosed
and treated easily
Causes

Valves in the spermatic cord prevent normal
blood flow


Varicoceles usually occur in males(duh) form
ages 15-25



Back-up of blood which causes swelling
Form slowly
A sudden development in an older man could
indicate a kidney tumor
Usually form on left side
Symptoms

Enlarged, twisted veins in scrotum

Painless lump on testicle (there can be pain)

Swelling/bulge in scrotum

May be NO symptoms

A doctor may feel the area in an examination to
diagnose it

More pronounced when standing
Treatment/Prevention

No specific prevention


Stay healthy to keep good blood flow
Treatment

Usually goes away on its own

Scrotal support (tighter underwear or a jock
strap) may be worn to relieve discomfort

If needed: surgery which consists of an
incision in the lower abdomen and the tying off
of effected veins

Varicocele embolization- catheter inserted into
small hole and is used to place a tube to block
blood flow in the effected vein
Complications

Can cause infertility (unable to produce sperm)

Complications from treatment:

Atrophic testis (decrease in testicle size)

Blood clot formation

Infection
Questions?

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Review Questions
1.) What is a varicocle?
2.) For who are they most common?
Review Questions
1.) What is a varicocle?
A widening of the veins along the spermatic cord.
2.) For who are they most common?
Males ages 15-25.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH00
02263/