Varicocele Specialists in West Bengal
A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins that occur in the legs, resulting from faulty valves that all…
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What is Varicocele?
A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins that occur in the legs, resulting from faulty valves that allow blood to pool rather than flow normally back toward the heart. It occurs most commonly on the left side due to anatomical differences in how the veins drain, and often develops during puberty. While many varicoceles cause no symptoms, they are a recognized and treatable cause of reduced sperm production and male infertility, as the pooled blood raises the temperature within the scrotum, impairing normal sperm development.
Mild
Common — affects roughly 15% of adult men, more frequently detected during adolescence or fertility evaluation
No
Causes of Varicocele
Results from incompetent or faulty valves within the veins draining the testicle, causing blood to pool and the veins to enlarge, most often due to anatomical factors affecting the left testicular vein's drainage into the renal vein. It commonly develops during puberty when blood flow to the reproductive organs increases. In rare cases in older men, a sudden varicocele can signal an underlying kidney tumour obstructing venous drainage, warranting further evaluation.
Symptoms of Varicocele
A dull, aching pain or heaviness in the scrotum that worsens with standing or exertion, visible or palpable enlarged veins often described as feeling like a 'bag of worms', swelling in the scrotum, a shrunken or smaller-than-normal testicle on the affected side, discomfort that improves when lying down
Treatment & Types of Varicocele in West Bengal
Asymptomatic varicoceles that are not affecting fertility often require no treatment beyond monitoring. Symptomatic varicoceles or those associated with infertility or testicular atrophy are treated with varicocelectomy, a surgical procedure to tie off the affected veins, or percutaneous embolization, a minimally invasive technique to block the abnormal vein under imaging guidance. Treatment often improves sperm parameters and reduces discomfort.
Varicoceles are graded clinically from I to III based on physical examination findings: Grade I is small and palpable only when the patient strains, Grade II is moderate and palpable without straining, and Grade III is large and visible through the skin without needing to touch the scrotum at all. They are also classified as primary, the common form related to anatomical venous drainage differences, most often on the left side, versus secondary, a much less common form in older men caused by an underlying mass such as a kidney tumor obstructing venous drainage.
Urology Specialists in West Bengal (0)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do varicoceles occur more often on the left side?
This occurs most commonly on the left side due to anatomical differences in how the veins drain, since the left testicular vein drains into the renal vein at a less favorable angle than the right side's more direct drainage into the main vein returning blood to the heart. This anatomical difference is well established and is why a right-sided or sudden new varicocele in an older man sometimes prompts additional evaluation.
Can a varicocele affect fertility?
Yes, it's a recognized and treatable cause of reduced sperm production and male infertility, since the pooled blood raises the temperature within the scrotum, which impairs normal sperm development. Treatment often improves sperm parameters, which is why varicocele repair is considered when fertility is a concern.
Does every varicocele need to be treated?
No, asymptomatic varicoceles that are not affecting fertility often require no treatment beyond monitoring, while those causing discomfort or associated with infertility or testicular atrophy are treated with surgery or a minimally invasive embolization procedure. A urologist can help decide whether treatment is warranted based on symptoms and fertility goals.
Why does a new varicocele in an older man need extra attention?
In rare cases in older men, a sudden varicocele can signal an underlying kidney tumor obstructing venous drainage, so this presentation warrants further evaluation beyond what would typically be needed for the more common adolescent-onset varicocele. This is an important reason not to dismiss a new varicocele in this age group as simply the common form.
Is a 'bag of worms' feeling in the scrotum always a varicocele?
This is a classic description of a varicocele, referring to the feel of visibly or palpably enlarged veins, though a doctor should still examine any new scrotal lump or swelling to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. Self-examination alone isn't a substitute for a proper clinical evaluation when a new finding is noticed.