What is varicocele?

Is named varicocele to a dilation of the veins along the spermatic cord that supports the testicles. Visually, the testicles will be elongated. It is formed when valves within the veins along the cord prevent blood from flowing, causing swelling and dilation of the veins.

Varicocele develops slowly and commonly occurs in men ages 15 to 25, most often on the left side of the scrotum.

This disease can be asymptomatic or present a sensation of weight or an increase in the size of the scrotum. The main cause of varicocele is male infertility and for which it ends up being diagnosed.

Symptoms of a varicocele can include:

• Pain or dragging sensation in the scrotum
• Stitches, tingling sensation
• Feeling of heaviness in the testicle
• Infertility
• Testicular atrophy or contraction
• Presence of a dilated vein that is detected directly or with palpation.

Varicocele can reach a stage where the scrotum or testicle increases in volume causing pain or discomfort to the point of limiting the various passive movements of the hip. With the intensity of the pain, which is usually intermittent, a radiation mainly to the inner thigh is accompanied and it is a pain that responds well to the usual analgesics.

Treatment will depend on the degree of the varicocele, but can range from scrotal support (eg, suspenders) to being corrected by surgery (varicocelectomy) and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.