Varicocele

Incompetent or inadequate valves within the veins along the spermatic cord cause a varicocele. The abnormal valves interfere with normal blood flow, causing a backup of blood and resulting in enlarged veins. Varicoceles usually develop slowly, with no symptoms. Varicoceles are a possible cause of reduced fertility in men.

Review Date: 12/23/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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