Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins around the testicle, similar to varicose veins…

Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins around the testicle, similar to varicose veins in the legs. It commonly occurs on the left side and may develop during adolescence or adulthood.

Many men have no symptoms, while others may experience a dull aching pain, scrotal heaviness, prominent veins, or a difference in testicular size. Varicocele can sometimes affect sperm production and quality and may contribute to male infertility. In selected men, it may also affect testosterone production.

Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination and may be confirmed with scrotal Doppler ultrasound. Men undergoing fertility evaluation may require a semen analysis and, when indicated, hormonal tests.

Not every varicocele requires treatment. Observation may be appropriate when there are no symptoms or evidence of impaired testicular function.

Treatment may be considered for men with persistent pain, impaired testicular development, or infertility associated with a clinically significant varicocele and abnormal semen parameters.

Treatment options include microsurgical varicocelectomy, laparoscopic varicocelectomy, and percutaneous embolization. Microsurgical repair is commonly used because it allows precise identification of abnormal veins while preserving important structure.