Varicocele

Varicocele

UA varicocele is when a vein becomes enlarged inside the scrotum. These veins are referred to as the pampiniform plexus. Ten to 15 of every 100 males will develop a varicocele. It is similar to a varicose vein in the leg. Varicoceles are more frequent on the left side of the scrotum because the veins on the left are not connected in the same way and blood requires more pressure to be pumped through them.

Varicoceles can be found on both sides simultaneously, however this is rare. Usually, varicoceles do not cause problems and are typically harmless. Less often varicoceles can cause discomfort, problems with infertility, or a testicle to grow slower or shrink.

What Happens Normally?

A man’s reproductive system creates, houses, and moves sperm. Sperm mature when flowing through a coiled tube, known as the epididymis, behind each testicle. Sperm travel to the prostate from each epididymis via the vasdeferens.

The spermatic cord encases the vas deferens and the testicular artery, which circulates blood in the testicle, and also houses the pampiniform plexus, the group of connected veins which drains blood from the testicles. When the blood pools or slows in the pampiniform plexus, it can cause it to enlarge hindering circulation in the surrounding veins and arteries.