---
title: "Varicoceles"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/v/varicoceles/
description: "A varicocele is when veins become enlarged inside your scrotum (the pouch of skin that holds your testicles). These veins are called the pampiniform..."
---

# Varicoceles

A varicocele is when veins become enlarged inside your scrotum (the pouch of skin that holds your testicles). These veins are called the pampiniform plexus. Out of 100 males, 10 to 15 have varicocele. It is like getting a varicose vein in your leg.

Archived from the 2024 edition

## Overview

Varicoceles are when the pampiniform plexus veins in the scrotum become enlarged. These veins are like varicose veins (twisted, swollen veins found in the leg.) Varicoceles form during puberty. They can grow larger, and you may notice them more over time. Varicoceles are more common on the left side of the scrotum. This is because the male anatomy is not the same on both sides. Varicoceles can exist on both sides at the same time, but this is rare. About 10 to 15 boys out of 100 have a varicocele.

Most of the time, varicoceles cause no problems and are harmless. Less often varicoceles can cause pain, problems fathering a child or one testicle to grow slower or shrink.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- What Happens Normally?
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Are Varicoceles Common?
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Surgery
- Percutaneous Embolization
- After Treatment
- Frequently Asked Questions

## Other entries in Sexual and Reproductive Health

- [Circumcision](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/circumcision/)
- [Epididymitis and Orchitis](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/epididymitis-and-orchitis/)
- [Erectile Dysfunction (ED)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)/)
- [Low Testosterone](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone/)
- [Male Infertility](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/m/male-infertility/)
- [Neonatal Testicular Torsion](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/n/neonatal-testicular-torsion/)
- [Penile Augmentation](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-augmentation/)
- [Penile Trauma](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-trauma/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/v/varicoceles/**
- Edition**2024 edition**
- Group**Sexual and Reproductive Health**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

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