FEATURES

If there’s an infertility topic you want to learn more about or a concern you want to research, chances are one of our experts has written an article or two about it or has spoken about it in an interview.

varicocele, male infertility, semen analysis, microsurgical varicocelectomy, laparoscopic varicocelectomy, percutaneous embolization treatment, radiologic ablation Mieke Smith varicocele, male infertility, semen analysis, microsurgical varicocelectomy, laparoscopic varicocelectomy, percutaneous embolization treatment, radiologic ablation Mieke Smith

Varicocele Symptoms, Infertility Causes, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Leyla Bilali, RN

A varicocele (pronounced VAR-a-co-cell) is an enlarged vein in the scrotum and testicle, usually found on the left side, but also possibly found on both sides of the scrotum, and very rarely only on the right side. You're likely familiar with varicose veins, which occur in the legs. As with varicose veins, when a varicocele is present, the vein's valve that helps blood flow upward to the heart becomes dysfunctional. This causes blood to pool in the area. This may lead to swelling, testicular shrinking, infertility, and sometimes pain.

Read More