Varicocele

A varicocele is an enlargement of the testicular veins due to excessive pooling of blood in the veins. They may cause pain and/ordecreasethe size of the affected testicle(s). Varicoceles may be a cause of infertility due to the affect on the testicles or due to the pain that they cause.

Symptoms:

• Achy, heavy feeling
• Swollen veins (feels like a bag of worms)
• Tenderness, extra warmth
• There may be no noticeable symptoms.

Treatment modalities:

• Surgery to tie/clamp off the veins or chemically seal the veins

Post-op instructions

• Rest for a couple of days

Concerns that are normal:

• Minor bleeding where the veins are tied
• Testicular pain for a few days post-op

Concerns that should be addressed at once:

• Bleeding from the incision
• Bruising around the incision
• Chills
• Temperature 101.5 degrees or greater
• Pain unrelieved by pain medication
• Scrotal swelling
• Severe groin pain