How is varicocele diagnosed?

How is varicocele diagnosed?

The most important method for diagnosing varicocele is physical examination. Your doctor examines your testicles while you are standing and try to feel the enlarged veins. Your doctor may ask you to strain while holding your breath or to cough. Therefore, the enlarged veins that cannot be felt otherwise can be felt.

What are the symptoms of varicocele?

Varicocele generally does not show any symptoms. But, it may sometimes cause pain in the testicle.

The intensity of the varicocele pain increases with physical exercises and standing for long times. It tends to increase later in the day and decreases when you lie down and rest. Varicocele progresses and becomes evident in the scrotum over time.

What causes varicocele?

Although there is no clearly defined reason for varicocele, it is thought to be caused by the malfunction of the valves in the veins of the testicle. As a result of the malfunction of these valves, the veins enlarge, and the venous blood accumulates in and around the testicle, which may lead to poor sperm quality or count.

Due to the position of the left testicle vein, varicocele is generally seen on the left side. However, it is known that unilateral varicocele may disrupt sperm production in both testicles.