Varicocele
A varicocele is an enlarged, twisted vein (varicose vein) in the scrotum, most often on the left side. It may feel something like a bag of worms and may sometimes cause discomfort.
Varicoceles can be related to poor sperm quality, which may cause problems with fertility.
What are the symptoms of a varicocele in teens?
A varicocele may not cause any symptoms. But you may feel an ache in your scrotum. You may notice that your scrotum is larger or hangs lower than usual. Or you may see or feel enlarged veins in it. Some teens with a varicocele have a smaller testicle.
How is a varicocele treated?
Most varicoceles don't need treatment. And most don't cause problems. But if your testicle is too small, the varicocele is large, your sperm count is too low, or you have pain, your doctor may recommend surgery to close or tie off the veins in the scrotum so pressure doesn't build up.
How is a varicocele diagnosed?
Your doctor may feel the varicocele when checking your scrotum. You may get an ultrasound of the scrotum to look at the size and shape of the testicles. If you are infertile, your doctor may check to see if a varicocele could be the cause.
How can you care for yourself when you have a varicocele?
There are things you can do to manage varicocele pain. Wearing supportive underwear or other tight-fitting garments may help. When you have pain, avoid heavy lifting. Rest may help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin) may also help. Try ice or cold packs. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
What causes a varicocele?
A varicocele may form in the scrotum when there is increased pressure in the veins of the scrotum. This pressure is more likely to build up in the left side of the scrotum. That's because of how the veins on the left side are connected to the rest of the body's blood vessels.
What is a varicocele?
A varicocele (say "VAR-uh-koh-seel") is a large vein that forms in the scrotum. It may form because of increased pressure in the veins of the scrotum.
In some cases, it may feel something like a bag of worms. You may feel an ache in your scrotum. You may notice that your scrotum is larger or hangs lower than usual. Or you may see or feel enlarged veins in it. And because of a varicocele, you may have a smaller testicle.
A varicocele can be related to poor sperm quality. This may cause problems with fertility.
Your doctor may treat a varicocele if you have one or more of these problems:
- A testicle is not developing as it should during puberty.
- The varicocele is large.
- Your sperm count is too low.
- You have pain.
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