Varicocele
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A varicocele
is a condition that causes the veins in your scrotum to become large, twisted, and swollen. The scrotum is the sac that holds the testicles. A varicocele can cause infertility (trouble getting your partner pregnant).
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Common signs and symptoms:
- A lump or swelling in the scrotum that feels like a bag of worms
- Pain or ache in your scrotum
Call your doctor if:
- You have pain in your scrotum.
- You have a new lump on your scrotum.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may help relieve symptoms such as pain, or improve fertility:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- An athletic supporter , or jockstrap, can help reduce swelling in your scrotum.
- Embolization is a procedure to create a clot or block in a blood vessel. This stops blood flow to the vein and can help decrease your symptoms.
- Surgery may be needed to cut or tie off the vein. This will help blood to flow into your other scrotal veins and help decrease your symptoms. Surgery may also be needed if you have more than 1 varicocele.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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