Varicocele

A varicocele is a swelling in the veins above the testicles. It's similar to a varicose vein in the legs. The swelling happens when too much blood collects in the veins. It most often occurs around the left testicle. A varicocele may cause the sac of skin covering the testicles (the scrotum) to have a bluish color. It may also cause an achy or heavy feeling in the scrotum. The pain may be worse later in the day or after you've been standing for a long time. Some varicoceles can be seen all the time. Others can be seen only when you're standing. Or they may be seen only when a Valsalva maneuver is done. This means bearing down in your belly (abdomen) to increase pressure.

In most cases, a varicocele isn't serious. It doesn't need to be treated. But it's linked to being unable to have a child (infertility). If you and your partner are trying to have a baby, talk with your healthcare provider about your options.

No medicines are available to fix this condition. Surgery can be done to close off the enlarged veins. A varicocele is not serious. And all surgery has risks. So you and your provider may consider surgery only if:

• The pain becomes worse or you have new symptoms

• The testicle shrinks (atrophy)

• You want to try to improve your fertility