common

Varicocele

A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the pampiniform plexus in the scrotum. In males, this plexus of veins drains blood from the testicles back to the heart. The originate in the and course down through the inguinal canal as part of the spermatic cord on their way to the testis.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

·Scrotal swelling, dull ache, feeling of heaviness, visible "bag of worms"

Causes — why it happens

·Valvular incompetence, Nutcracker

How it's found

·Physical examination (Valsalva), Scrotal

Treatment

·Observation, Varicocelectomy (microsurgical), Percutaneous embolization

Complications

·, testicular , low testosterone

More in Reproductive (M)

Prostate cancer Erectile dysfunction Testicular cancer Male infertility Epididymitis Low testosterone Hydrocele Testicular torsion Orchitis Klinefelter syndrome Undescended testicle Gynaecomastia

See all of Reproductive (M) →

Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.