Varicocele What Is It A varicocele is a

Varicocele

What Is It? A varicocele is a widening of the veins along the cord that holds up a man's testicles (spermatic cord) Similar to varicose veins

General Description (don't copy) Common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality Healthy veins allow blood to drain from testicle only, but varicoceles allow blood to flow back Can cause infertility can affect sperm production (possibly because of temperature change of the testicle) Usually do not cause harm and are diagnosed and treated easily

Causes Valves in the spermatic cord prevent normal blood flow Varicoceles usually occur in males(duh) form ages 15 -25 Back-up of blood which causes swelling Form slowly A sudden development in an older man could indicate a kidney tumor Usually form on left side

Symptoms Enlarged, twisted veins in scrotum Painless lump on testicle (there can be pain) Swelling/bulge in scrotum May be NO symptoms A doctor may feel the area in an examination to diagnose it More pronounced when standing

Treatment/Prevention No specific prevention Stay healthy to keep good blood flow Treatment Usually goes away on its own Scrotal support (tighter underwear or a jock strap) may be worn to relieve discomfort If needed: surgery which consists of an incision in the lower abdomen and the tying off of effected veins Varicocele embolization- catheter inserted into small hole and is used to place a tube to block blood flow in the effected vein

Complications Can cause infertility (unable to produce sperm) Complications from treatment: Atrophic testis (decrease in testicle size) Blood clot formation Infection

Review Questions 1. ) What is a varicocle? 2. ) For who are they most common?

Review Questions 1. ) What is a varicocle? A widening of the veins along the spermatic cord. 2. ) For who are they most common? Males ages 15 -25.

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