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The Merck Manual--Second Home Edition logo
 
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Chapter 238. Disorders of the Penis and Testes
Topics: Introduction | Penile Inflammation | Urethral Stricture | Penile Growths | Priapism | Peyronie's Disease | Penile and Testicular Injury | Testicular Cancer | Testicular Torsion | Inguinal Hernia | Epididymitis and Epididymo-orchitis | Hydrocele | Varicocele | Testicular Swelling
 
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Varicocele

Varicocele is a condition in which the blood supply of the testis develops varicose veins.

Veins contain valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. Faulty valves can result in a varicocele. Varicoceles usually develop on the left side of the scrotum and may produce no symptoms. Alternatively, varicoceles may cause pain and a sense of fullness that becomes bothersome. The varicocele feels like a bag of worms when the man is standing. However, the swelling usually disappears when he reclines because blood flow to the enlarged veins decreases. Rarely, a varicocele impairs fertility.

If symptoms are severe, a doctor may treat it by surgically tying off the affected veins.

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