A Varicocele is a collection of enlarged veins in the scrotum, caused by faulty valves in the veins that allow blood to flow back into the scrotum instead of carrying it towards the heart, causing the scrotal veins to bulge.

The affected veins are those that travel in the spermatic cord (that contains the vas deferens – the tube that carries sperm from the testes to the penis).

This condition most frequently affects the left testicle due to a difference in the testicular vein anatomy on the left versus the right.

Varicoceles may cause discomfort and in some cases testicular atrophy (shrinkage). There is also speculation that Varicocele may contribute to infertility.

Clinically it presents itself as a collection of easily felt enlarged veins around the testis and frequently the size of those scrotal varicose veins is much larger after prolonged standing, physical exercise or during straining. It can cause discomfort felt within the scrotum after sexual intercourse.