varicocele

Varicoceles are enlarged veins inside the testicle. The prevailing theory on the effects of varicoceles on fertility suggests these enlarged veins may increase the temperature of the testicles, resulting in impaired sperm production.

symptoms

A smaller left testicle may be a sign of varicocele. An ultrasound can determine if a vein is enlarged.

cause

Currently there is no known cause for varicocele.

treatment

Varicocele can be surgically repaired through balloon tuboplasty and microsurgery. An assisted reproductive procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can circumvent any of the problems varicocele might create.

The impact (if any) of varicocele on fertility is controversial. Many men who have had varicocele surgically repaired see no improvement.