overview
Varicocele
VaricoceleOpen Pop-up Dialog
A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is an enlargement of the veins in the loose skin sac that contains your testicles (scrotum). A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein that you may see in your leg.
Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can lead to infertility. However, not all varicoceles affect sperm production. Varicoceles can also prevent the testicles from growing or shrinking normally.
symptom
A varicocele often doesn’t produce any signs or symptoms. In rare cases, this can cause pain. Pain can:
Varies from acute discomfort to dull discomfort
Elevate yourself while standing or exercising, especially over long periods of time
Words about the course of a day
Be relieved when you lie on your back
Impaired fertility
The reasons
Male reproductive system
Male Reproductive System Pop-up Dialog
Your spermatic cord carries blood to and from your testicles. It is not known exactly what causes varicoceles.
However, many experts believe that a varicocele forms when the valves in the cord’s veins prevent your blood from flowing properly. The resulting fuse causes the veins to enlarge (widen). Doing so could damage the testicles and affect fertility.
Varicoceles often form during puberty. Varicoceles usually appear on the left side, possibly due to the position of the left testicular vein.
Risk factors
There appear to be no significant risk factors for developing a varicocele.
Complications
A varicocele can cause:
Narrowing of the affected testicle (atrophy). Most of the testicle contains tubules that produce sperm. If damaged, such as a varicocele, the testicle shrinks and becomes softer. It is not known why the testicle shrinks, but faulty valves allow blood to pool in the veins, which can lead to increased pressure in the veins and exposure to toxins in the blood that can cause testicular lesions.
Infertility. Varicoceles can keep the local temperature in or around the testes too high and affect the formation, movement (motility) and function of the sperm.