Varicocele is a medical condition in which the veins in the scrotum become dilated (enlarged), creating problems in sperm development by preventing proper drainage of blood. Because the blood can’t drain, it raises the temperature of the testes, which may contribute to infertility, since heat can damage or destroy sperm.

Varicoceles typically are very easily found upon physical examination. They feel like a “bag of worms” in the scrotum; sometimes they are so enlarged and twisted a physician can see them.

They are the most common cause of male infertility; in fact, about 40 percent of infertile men have a varicocele.

Most men have no symptoms, and the condition is found on physical exam. Typically signs and symptoms may include:

An ache in the testicle
Feeling of heaviness in a testicle
Infertility
Shrinkage of the testicle(s)
Visible or palpable (you can feel it) enlarged vein

If the patient has pain or is infertile, surgery may be recommended.

For patient appointments, call (314) 362-8200 (Center for Advanced Medicine and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital).

Washington University physicians are the medical staff of
Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital