Varicocele is a condition in which the blood supply of the testis develops varicose veins.

Veins contain valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. Faulty valves can result in a varicocele. Varicoceles usually develop on the left side of the scrotum and may produce no symptoms. Alternatively, varicoceles may cause pain and a sense of fullness that becomes bothersome. The varicocele feels like a bag of worms when the man is standing. However, the swelling usually disappears when he reclines because blood flow to the enlarged veins decreases. Rarely, a varicocele impairs fertility.

If symptoms are severe, a doctor may treat it by surgically tying off the affected veins.

Last full review/revision February 2003