What is the meaning of varicocele?

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins that transport oxygen-depleted blood away from the testicle. A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds your testicles (scrotum). A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein you might see in your leg.

What is the main cause of varicocele?

Varicocele Causes Varicoceles are believed to be caused by defective valves in the veins within the scrotum, just above the testicles. Normally, these valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the testicles. When normal flow doesn’t occur, the blood backs up, causing the veins to dilate (enlarge).

What does varicocele ultrasound look like?

Signs of varicoceles on ultrasound are veins that are wider than 3 millimeters with blood flowing the wrong way during the Valsalva maneuver. The ultrasound can also show the size of the testicles.

Can varicocele be reversed?

Reversing Varicoceles. Varicoceles can be reversed through both surgical procedures and a nonsurgical treatment option. These treatments are designed to decrease the pressure in the varicose veins that make up the varicocele.

What happens if varicocele is not treated?

Left untreated, they can cause testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles). There is also a strong association between varicoceles and male infertility. Varicoceles have been linked with decreases in sperm count and motility and increases in the number of deformed and ineffective sperm.

Can varicocele be cured completely?

The good news is that varicoceles are treatable. Dozens of reports have been published demonstrating the benefit of varicocele surgery to improve sperm counts. Yet, varicocele repair remains controversial, particularly for small varicoceles that cannot be seen or felt on a physical exam.

Can a man with varicocele father a child?

Some men with varicoceles have no trouble fathering children, while others experience reduced sperm count or limited motility (sperm movement, which makes it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg).