Overview

Definition

Varicocele is a widening of blood vessels in the scrotum. The scrotum is the pouch that contains the testes in males.

Varicocele
testicle varices
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Most blood normally flows out of the scrotum through a main vein. A series of valves helps the blood move through the veins. If a valve is not working well blood can backup in the vein and stretch it out. Over time the vein widens because of the constant pressure.

Risk Factors

Varicoceles typically develop in males 15-25 years old.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

You will be able to see or feel a varicocele. It is an enlarged or twisted vein in the scrotum. It may become larger when standing or straining. You may also see shrinkage of the testicles.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor can make the diagnosis based on the physical exam.

An ultrasound may be done if complications are expected.

Treatments

Treatment

Treatment is not required in all cases.

Treatment may be done to block off the faulty vein and allow blood to flow out through other veins.

  • Open surgery—The vein is surgically cut and tied off.
  • Catheter ablation—Heat is applied through a catheter to destroy the vein.
  • Catheter embolization—A substance is placed in the vein to block it.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent varicoceles.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.

RESOURCES

Reproductive Facts—American Society for Reproductive Medicine http://www.reproductivefacts.org 

Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca 

Health Canada https://www.canada.ca 

References

Tekgul S, Riedmiller H, et al. Varicocele in children and adolescents. Guidelines on paediatric urology. European Association of Urology. 2009;23-25.

Varicocele in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:  http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115197/Varicocele-in-children-and-adolescents  . Updated October 2, 2017. Accessed March 20, 2018.

Varicocele. Kid's Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual%5Fhealth/guys/varicocele.html. Updated February 2017. Accessed March 20, 2018.

Varicoceles. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=116. Accessed March 20, 2018.