What Is a Varicocele?
A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins inside the scrotum — similar to varicose veins in the legs. It affects about 1 5% of all men, and up to 40% of men evaluated for infertility. Most occur on the left side.
Symptoms to Watch For
- A dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum, worse after standing long hours
- Visible or feelable enlarged veins (“bag of worms” feel)
- A difference in testicle size
- Often, no symptoms at all — discovered only during fertility evaluation
How Varicocele Affects Fertility
The pooled blood raises the temperature around the testicle. Since sperm production requires a temperature slightly below body temperature, this heat reduces sperm count, motility, and quality over time.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is made by physical examination and confirmed with scrotal Doppler ultrasound. Not every varicocele needs treatment — small, symptom-free ones with normal semen analysis can simply be monitored. Treatment (surgical or minimally invasive repair) is considered when there is pain, abnormal semen parameters with infertility, or testicular
shrinkage. Semen quality typically improves over 3–6 months after successful treatment.
FAQs
Q: Does every varicocele need surgery?
No. Treatment is advised only when it causes pain, infertility, or testicular damage.
Q: Will fertility improve after treatment?
Many men show improved sperm parameters within
3–6 months; results vary by individual.
Q: Is the condition dangerous?
It is not life-threatening, but untreated significant varicoceles can progressively affect fertility.
📍 Care and Cure Sexologist, Hyderabad – Accurate diagnosis before any treatment decision.