Table of Contents
- 1 What are the 5 signs of varicocele?
- 2 What triggers varicocele?
- 3 What does a bad varicocele look like?
- 4 What happens when varicocele left untreated?
- 5 Which side is more common for varicocele?
- 6 What can worsen varicocele?
- 7 How do you check for varicocele?
- 8 What is the difference between a varicocele and a hydrocele?
- 9 What does a varicocele look like?
- 10 Can varicocele cause cancer?
What are the 5 signs of varicocele?
Here are the 5 signs of a varicocele, which include a scrotal mass, heavy sensation, enlarged veins, dull or sharp pain, and infertility issues. Varicocele is typically asymptomatic, but it may become more visible over time. When a varicocele reaches a certain size, men may begin to experience symptoms.
What triggers varicocele?
Varicocele Causes Varicoceles are believed to be caused by defective valves in the veins within the scrotum, just above the testicles. Normally, these valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the testicles. When normal flow doesn’t occur, the blood backs up, causing the veins to dilate (enlarge).
Where do you feel varicocele pain?
Testicular pain associated with varicocele is typically described as a dull, aching, or throbbing pain in the testicle, scrotum, or groin; rarely, it can be acute, sharp, or stabbing. Varicocele is also described as scrotal heaviness that worsens with exercise, activity, or after standing for a prolonged duration.
What does a bad varicocele look like?
Some visibly noticeable symptoms of varicoceles are: One testicle that appears larger or heavier than the other. Enlarged veins in your scrotum, commonly found on the left side of the scrotum. A lump in your testicle.
What happens when varicocele left untreated?
Left untreated, they can cause testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles). There is also a strong association between varicoceles and male infertility. Varicoceles have been linked with decreases in sperm count and motility and increases in the number of deformed and ineffective sperm.
Do varicoceles go away naturally?
Varicoceles are large, twisted veins that drain blood from the testicles. They are much like varicose veins of the leg. Most often, they occur after puberty on the left side of the scrotum. Once a varicocele is present, it will not go away on its own.
Which side is more common for varicocele?
Varicoceles happen mostly on the left side of the scrotum. This is because a guy’s body is organized so that blood flow on that side of the scrotum is greater, so varicoceles happen more often in the left testicle than the right. Although it’s less common, they can sometimes happen on both sides.
What can worsen varicocele?
Increase with standing or physical exertion, especially over long periods. Worsen over the course of a day. Be relieved when you lie on your back.
What happens if you don’t get varicocele treated?
If you don’t seek treatment for your varicocele, it can damage the affected testicle. In about 85 percent of men, the varicocele occurs on the left side. The varicocele may cause the testicle to atrophy or shrink.
How do you check for varicocele?
Urologists often check for varicoceles with the patient standing. You may be asked to take a deep breath, hold it, and bear down while your urologist feels the scrotum above the testicle. This technique is known as the “Valsalva maneuver.” It lets your urologist find any enlarged veins.
What is the difference between a varicocele and a hydrocele?
Difference between Hydrocele and Varicocele. Hydrocele:–Painless enlargement of the Scrotum. Can be Unilateral or Bilateral. Diagnosis with Transillumination. However transillumination cannot confirm the diagnosis because it also may indicate hernia. Ultrasound can be done to confirm the diagnosis. Varicocele :-Varicocele is a mass of enlarged veins that develops in the spermatic cord.
How to relieve varicocele pain?
Run cool water over your testicles for 5-15 seconds once or twice per day
What does a varicocele look like?
A varicocele has been described as looking like a “bag of worms.” The condition might cause a swollen testicle, almost always on the left side. Because a varicocele usually causes no symptoms, it often requires no treatment. Varicoceles might be discovered during a fertility evaluation or a routine physical exam.
Can varicocele cause cancer?
Doctor: A varicocele is a dilatation of the veins of the spermatic cord.Typically it will present as a painless lump however it is important to note that it can cause some degree of infertility if not treated. However it does not cause testicular cancer nor increases the risk of the same.