A varicocele is enlargement of the veins around a testis. It may cause no symptoms, or may be associated with pain or abnormal semen findings.
Assessment
Decisions consider symptoms, clinical examination and semen analysis during fertility assessment. Doppler ultrasound may be used where needed. Fertility factors in both partners are reviewed before a plan is agreed.
When is treatment considered?
Repair may be suitable for some men with a clinically detectable varicocele, abnormal semen findings and infertility. The doctor explains the benefits and limitations of microsurgical repair, alternatives and risks such as recurrence or fluid accumulation. Fertility outcomes vary between patients.