Varicocele

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Varicocele
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Often none, but can include pain, swelling, or a lump in the scrotum
Complications	Infertility, testicular atrophy
Onset	Puberty
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Malfunctioning valves in the veins
Risks
Diagnosis	Physical examination, ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	Hydrocele, inguinal hernia, testicular torsion
Prevention
Treatment	Surgery, embolization
Medication
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	~15% of males
Deaths	N/A

Varicocele refers to the abnormal dilation of the veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins that appear in the legs. Though often harmless, this condition can cause discomfort and, in some cases, may affect male fertility.

Clinical features

Varicoceles are characterized by the enlargement of the pampiniform venous plexus, the network of veins that drain the testicles. This condition commonly develops during puberty and is most often found in the left testicle.

Varicocele

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of varicoceles is not completely understood. However, it is believed to occur due to the malfunctioning of valves within the veins, causing blood to pool and leading to the enlargement of the veins. Factors such as age and history of varicoceles in the family can increase the risk of developing this condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Many men with varicoceles do not experience symptoms. However, some may experience a dull discomfort, a sensation of heaviness, or testicular pain that worsens over the course of the day or with physical exertion. Visible or palpable enlarged veins, often described as feeling like a "bag of worms", may be another sign of this condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of varicoceles typically involves physical examination and may be confirmed by an ultrasound of the scrotum. The ultrasound can help determine the severity of the varicocele and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Treatment

Not all varicoceles require treatment. However, if the condition causes pain, testicular atrophy, or infertility, treatment may be necessary. Options include embolization, a non-surgical procedure to block the blood flow to the varicocele, or surgical procedures such as varicocelectomy.

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References

1. "Varicocele." Mayo Clinic. [1]
2. "Understanding Varicoceles." American Society for Reproductive Medicine. [2]
3. "Varicocele." Urology Care Foundation. [3]
4. "Varicocele Repair for Infertility." WebMD. [4]