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Varicocele

A varicocele is an enlarged, twisted vein (varicose vein) in the scrotum, most often on the left side. It feels like a "bag of worms" and may occasionally cause discomfort.

A large varicocele is thought by some to be related to some cases of abnormally low sperm count. While studies have not shown that varicocele repair has value for improving fertility, some doctors will repair a large varicocele, based on the belief that it may improve a man's abnormally low sperm count. Otherwise, varicoceles are usually left alone.

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Associate Editor Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated April 7, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 07, 2006
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