Varicocele

An abnormal dilation of the internal spermatic veins and pampiniform plexus that drain blood from the testis.

Occurs in 15% of adolescent boys and adult men; 90% of cases on left side; 10% are bilateral.

May impede adolescent testicular growth and affect adult sperm parameters and testosterone production.

40% of men being evaluated in a male fertility clinic will have a varicocele.

Diagnosis is usually clinical; ultrasound may be helpful where there is doubt about diagnosis.

Surgical correction may reverse testicular growth arrest in adolescents and improve semen findings in adults.

A varicocele is the abnormal dilation of the internal spermatic veins and pampiniform plexus that drain blood from the testis.[1]Nguyen HT. Hernia, hydroceles, testicular torsion, and varicocele. In: Docimo SG, Canning DA, Khoury AE, eds. Clinical pediatric urology. London, UK: Informa Healthcare; 2007.