This is an enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord, commonly occurring on the left side in adolescent males.

Varicocele forms a soft, elastic swelling that can cause pain. It is most common in men between 15 and 25 years of age and affects the left spermatic cord more often than the right. Varicocele is most pronounced and painful in the standing position.

Although varicoceles are common and generally benign, they are also a frequent cause of correctable male infertility. What the...