Varicocele

Incompetent or inadequate valves within the veins along the spermatic cord cause a varicocele. The abnormal valves interfere with normal blood flow, causing a backup of blood and resulting in enlarged veins. Varicoceles usually develop slowly, with no symptoms. Varicoceles are a possible cause of reduced fertility in men.

Varicocele


Review Date: 2/9/2018
Reviewed By: Sovrin M. Shah, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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