Varicoceles - what do I need to know?

A varicocele is a dilation of the veins within the spermatic cord. When these veins dilate, blood refluxes (i.e., travels backward) into the testicle. The extra pooling of blood in and around the testicle can lead to symptoms, such as testicular pain, and can also negatively impact fertility. 

Varicoceles are very common. In fact, about 15% of all males have varicoceles. It is important to know that varicoceles are not dangerous: they do not increase your risk of testicular cancer or other life-threatening conditions. They are diagnosed by a physical exam or a scrotal ultrasound. 

15-20% of people with varicoceles have problems with fertility. Sperm motility, morphology, and concentration are often found to be abnormal in those with varicoceles. 

Varicoceles are diagnosed with either a physical exam or with an ultrasound of the scrotum. The physical exam takes about 30 seconds and does not hurt in any way. Many men will often already have known or noticed they have a varicocele, or a bunch of dilated veins above the testicle. 

If you have a varicocele and are interested in future fertility, you should have a semen analysis to determine whether you have any of these abnormalities. Or if you are having issues with fertility, then you should consider going in to have a fertility evaluation. It is important to note that if you do have sperm abnormalities can improve after a varicocele repair - which is a minimally invasive surgery, often done with a microscope. However, it may take 3-12 months to see the improvements on subsequent semen analyses.

*This post is for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have personal medical questions, consult with your personal physician*

Keywords: Sperm health, male fertility, male infertility, men's infertility, men's health, reproductive health, semen quality, sperm quality, varicocelectomy, microsurgery, varicocele, varicose veins, scrotum