Varicocele

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Varicocele

A varicocele is when the veins along the spermatic cord dilate (widen). The spermatic cord suspends the testicles in the scrotum.

A varicocele occurs when the valves within the veins along the spermatic cord don't work properly. The abnormal valves prevent normal blood flow and cause blood to backup, which dilates and enlarges the veins. (This is essentially the same process as varicose veins, which are common in the legs.)

Varicoceles usually develop slowly and may not have any symptoms. They are more common in men between 15 and 25 years old. Varicoceles are more common on the left side. Varicoceles are often the cause of infertility in men.

The sudden appearance of a varicocele in an older man may be caused by a kidney tumor that has affected the renal vein and altered the blood flow through the spermatic vein.

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