Varicocoele
What is the scrotum
The scrotum is a sac of skin and muscle that hangs below the penis.
It contains the testicles, the epididymis (where sperm mature), and parts of the spermatic cords (including arteries and veins, and the vas deferens).
The organs in the scrotum are responsible for producing the hormone testosterone, and producing, storing, and transporting sperm.
What is a varicocoele?
A varicocele (pronounced vari-co-seal) is a mass in the scrotum which occurs due to pooling of blood in veins above the testicle.
It occurs due to blood flowing the wrong way, down the veins into the scrotum, rather than up the vein into the abdomen.
It most commonly occurs on the left side of the scrotum.
What are the symptoms of a varicocoele?
A varicocoele can often be felt as a soft lump in the scrotum above the testicle.
Varicocoeles often cause no symptoms. Sometimes they can cause a dull ache in the scrotum.
Occassionally they can affect the growth of the testicles and sperm production, leading to problems with fertility.
Scrotal pain
Lump in the scrotum
Male infertility
How is a varicocoele diagnosed?
A varicocoele can be diagnosed by examination. It is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis with an ultrasound of the scrotum.
How are varicocoeles treated?
Not all varicocoeles require treatment. If treatment is required, varicocoeles can be corrected with surgery known as a Varicocoele repair or with a radiological procedure known as emobilisation.
