A varicocele is a varicose dilation of the testicles and scrotal veins.
The disease is formed at the age of puberty and develops over time. The process may be accompanied by pain or discomfort, although in some clinical cases it is asymptomatic.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider can diagnose a varicocele by visual inspection of the scrotum and by touch. You'll likely be examined while lying down and standing up.
An ultrasound examination is recommended for the diagnosis of varicocele.
The following is possible with ultrasound:
- Confirm the diagnosis or characterize the varicocele
- Eliminate another condition as a possible cause of signs or symptoms
- Detect a lesion or other factor obstructing blood flow
Treatment
A varicocele often doesn't need to be treated. For a man experiencing infertility, surgery to correct the varicocele may be a part of the fertility treatment plan.
For teenagers or young adults a health care provider may suggest annual checkups to monitor any changes.
Surgery might be recommended in the following situations:
- A testicle that shows delayed development
- Low sperm count
- Chronic pain
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicocele/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378772
