Varicocele Power Point
Varicocele What Is It? A varicocele is a widening of the veins along the cord that holds up a man's testicles (spermatic cord) Similar to varicose veins General Description (don't copy) Common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality Can cause infertility Healthy veins allow blood to drain from testicle only, but varicoceles allow blood to flow back can affect sperm production (possibly because of temperature change of the testicle) Usually do not cause harm and are diagnosed and treated easily Causes Valves in the spermatic cord prevent normal blood flow Back-up of blood which causes swelling Varicoceles usually occur in males(duh) form ages 15-25 Form slowly A sudden development in an older man could indicate a kidney tumor Usually form on left side