Varicocele

What is a varicocele?

Varicoceles are enlarged, twisted veins within the scrotum, the sac that houses the testicles in men. This can make one testicle look larger than the other or hang lower. In some cases, varicoceles may cause pain, testicular shrinking and even fertility issues.
A varicocele is when the veins in your scrotum get enlarged, similar to varicose veins in the legs. It can cause discomfort, swelling, and even fertility issues. Our clinic specializes in treating this condition effectively.
Man sitting on an exam table talking to a doctor holding a clipboard
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What are the symptoms of a varicocele?

Dull
Aching pain in your scrotum
A feeling of heaviness
Visible enlarged veins
Testicular shrinkage
Fertility issues

What causes varicoceles?

They are caused when the valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards in the vein fail and allow blood to pool and enlarge the vein. They are very similar to varicose veins in the legs. Other factors can increase your risk for developing a varicocele, including increased blood pressure, anatomical abnormalities and rapid growth. The latter is the reason why the condition is common in young men during puberty.
Varicoceles occur when the valves inside the veins in your spermatic cord don’t work properly, causing blood to pool and the veins to swell. Our experts can help diagnose and treat it.

Can a varicocele affect fertility?

Yes, it can affect sperm production and quality. If you’re dealing with infertility, treating your varicocele with us could significantly improve your chances of conceiving.

What is the prognosis for men with varicocele?

The prognosis is excellent, especially with treatment. Many men experience relief from symptoms and improved fertility. We ensure you get the best outcome possible.

Is there a way to prevent varicocele?

While there’s no sure way to prevent a varicocele, maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps. If you’re concerned, our team can provide tips and regular check-ups to monitor your condition.

When should I see a doctor for varicocele?

You should see a doctor if you have persistent pain, swelling, or fertility issues. Our clinic offers expert consultation and treatment options. Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule your visit.

How is a varicocele diagnosed?

We diagnose varicoceles through a physical exam and an ultrasound to assess severity. Our skilled team ensures you get a thorough evaluation and the best care.
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Man holding his lower abdomen while sitting across from a doctor

What are my treatment options?

If a varicocele is not causing any symptoms and fertility isn’t a consideration, no treatment may be necessary. If the varicocele is small, a strategy of “watchful waiting” may be advised to monitor it over time. If symptoms are mild, over-the-counter pain medications can relieve symptoms. If you wish to eventually have children, it may be necessary to treat the condition to improve fertility.

Varicocelectomy is a surgery to tie off the affected veins and is still sometimes used. However, a minimally invasive procedure with comparable outcomes to surgery is now available. Called percutaneous embolization, it’s highly effective, with minimal downtime and a much faster recovery compared with surgery.

Treatment options include:
Watchful Waiting: For mild cases without symptoms.
Medication: Over-the-counter painkillers.
Surgery: Varicocelectomy, where we tie off the affected veins.
Percutaneous Embolization: A minimally invasive procedure performed by our experts. It’s quick, effective, and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
View Treatment

International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS)

Answer each question about your urinary symptoms over the past month. Your total score is calculated instantly.

0 of 7 answered

1. Incomplete Emptying: How often have you had the sensation of not emptying your bladder?

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2. Frequency: How often have you had to urinate less than every two hours?

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3. Intermittency: How often have you found you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?

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4. Urgency: How often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?

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5. Weak Stream: How often have you had a weak urinary stream?

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6. Straining: How often have you had to strain to start urination?

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7. Nocturia: How many times did you typically get up at night to urinate?

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Please answer all questions to see your score.

Your I-PSS score

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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.

Talk to our team

WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index

Rate each activity by the degree of difficulty you have experienced in the last 48 hours due to your knee.

0 of 24 answered

Pain

1. Walking

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2. Stair climbing

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3. Nocturnal

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4. Rest

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5. Weight bearing

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Stiffness

1. Morning stiffness

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2. Stiffness occurring later in the day

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Physical Function

1. Descending stairs

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2. Ascending stairs

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3. Rise from sitting

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4. Standing

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5. Bending to floor

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6. Walking on flat surface

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7. Getting in/out of car

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8. Going shopping

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9. Putting on socks

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10. Lying in bed

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11. Taking off socks

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12. Rising from bed

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13. Getting in/out of bath

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14. Sitting

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15. Getting on/off toilet

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16. Heavy domestic duties

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17. Light domestic duties

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Please answer all questions to see your score.

Your WOMAC score

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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.

Talk to our team

Foot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI)

Rate each item by your current level of difficulty. Higher scores indicate better foot and ankle function.

0 of 26 answered

Activity

1. Standing

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2. Walking on even ground

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3. Walking on even ground without shoes

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4. Walking up hills

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5. Walking down hills

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6. Going up stairs

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7. Going down stairs

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8. Walking on uneven ground

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9. Stepping up and down curbs

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10. Squatting

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11. Sleeping

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12. Coming up to your toes

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13. Walking initially

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14. Walking 5 minutes or less

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15. Walking approximately 10 minutes

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16. Walking 15 minutes or greater

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17. Home responsibilities

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18. Activities of daily living

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19. Personal care

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20. Light to moderate work (standing, walking)

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21. Heavy work (push/pulling, climbing, carrying)

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22. Recreational activities

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Pain

23. General level of pain

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24. Pain at rest

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25. Pain during your normal activity

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26. Pain first thing in the morning

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Please answer all questions to see your score.

Your FADI score

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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.

Talk to our team

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