What are symptoms of Varicocele?

In the majority of individuals, Varicoceles are painless. Most men do not even know they have a Varicocele. Sometimes the Varicocele gets to be very large and some men will feel a dragging or a pulling sensation in the groin. Pain is a rare finding with Varicoceles. Some individuals do feel an odd ache that is relieved when lying down. In almost all cases, Varicoceles become more conspicuous at the end of the day or after standing for long periods. Lying down empties the Varicoceles and hence decreases the symptoms.

What medical problems are associated with Varicoceles?

There is a belief among physicians that Varicoceles may be the cause of infertility in some men. This association is not very strong. There are many men who have Varicoceles and have no problems fathering children. There are some men who have tiny Varicoceles and have abnormal sperm. There is a lot of debate on Varicoceles and whether they really cause abnormal sperm. There are a few studies showing that having large Varicoceles can cause infertility, but there are just as many studies that show nothing.

Some surgeons always claim that there is a relation between Varicoceles and abnormal sperm- partly because they want to operate on you and make money. To keep facts straight- even after correcting a Varicocele does not always guarantee return of fertility. So all individuals should beware of surgeons who want to book you right away for surgery- these greedy surgeons only want to make money. For all consumers, remember one fact, there are thousands of men with Varicoceles and have no problems fathering children.

How can Varicocele cause infertility?

Whether Varicoceles actually cause infertility is still in question. Some claim that engorged blood in the veins can lead to high temperatures that damage sperm. Sperms are very fragile and cannot tolerate high temperatures. All this is just speculation. During sexual intercourse, the banging and thrusting of the penis in the vagina leads to even higher temperatures, but sperms do just fine. So all this temperature theory is a load of bull.