Varicocele
A varicocele is a group of swollen veins in the scrotum, much like varicose veins in the leg. It is usually on the left side and often first noticed in the teenage years. Many cause no trouble at all. Some cause a dull ache, and some reduce sperm count and quality, which makes a varicocele one of the commonest correctable causes of male infertility.
Find a Urology SpecialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A soft lump above the testicle that feels like a bag of worms
- A dull ache or dragging feeling in the scrotum
- Ache that worsens with standing, heat or exercise and eases lying down
- One testicle smaller than the other
- Difficulty conceiving, with an abnormal semen analysis
- Usually on the left side
When to See a Doctor
See a urologist if you notice a lump in your scrotum, have an ache that keeps coming back, or you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year without success. See a doctor promptly if a varicocele appears suddenly in later life or only on the right side, because occasionally it is a sign of something pressing on the veins inside the abdomen.
Treatment options
- No treatment if there is no pain and fertility is not a concern
- Supportive underwear and simple pain relief
- Semen analysis to check sperm count and quality
- Varicocele repair (varicocelectomy), open or microsurgical
- Embolisation, blocking the vein through a catheter, where available
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Does a varicocele cause infertility?
It can. Varicoceles are found in many men with normal fertility, but they are also common in men with low sperm counts. When a couple is struggling to conceive and the man has a varicocele with an abnormal semen analysis, repair can improve sperm quality.
Do I need surgery for a varicocele?
Not always. Repair is offered for pain that does not settle, for abnormal semen results when a couple is trying to conceive, and for teenagers whose testicle on the affected side is not growing. A varicocele that causes nothing is usually left alone.
How long after varicocele surgery does sperm improve?
Sperm take around three months to develop, so a repeat semen analysis is usually done three to six months after the operation.
Need Help?
Find a verified urology specialist near you.
Urology in Lagos →Urology in Abuja →Urology in Port Harcourt →Urology in Jos →Urology in Ibadan →Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.