Definition

Varicocele is painless swelling of blood vessels in the scrotum. The scrotum is the pouch that contains the testes in males.

Causes

Most blood normally flows out of the scrotum through a main vein. A faulty valve in this vein causes blood to back up into the scrotum and lead to varicocele.

Risk Factors

Varicoceles typically develop in males 15-25 years old.

Symptoms

You will be able to see or feel a varicocele. It is an enlarged or twisted vein in the scrotum. It may become larger when standing or straining. You may also see shrinkage of the testicles.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor can make the diagnosis based on the physical exam.

An ultrasound may be done if complications are expected.

Treatment

Treatment is not required in all cases.

Treatment may be done to block off the faulty vein and allow blood to flow out through other veins.

• Open surgery—The vein is surgically cut and tied off.
• Catheter ablation—Heat is applied through a catheter to destroy the vein.
• Catheter embolization—A substance is placed in the vein to block it.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent varicoceles.

Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org

The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca/ForPatients

Varicocele. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated May 10, 2013. Accessed June 24, 2013.

Varicocele. Nemours Kid’s Health website. Available at:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/guys/varicocele.html
Accessed June 24, 2013.

Varicoceles. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=116
Accessed June 24, 2013.

Wein A, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, Elsevier; 2007.