Causes and Risk Factors of Varicoceles
Blood flows to the testicles from an artery, then through a network of tiny veins, which then drain into a long vein that goes up through the abdomen. Blood flow in this vein should always be upward, toward the heart. A series of one-way valves in this vein prevent the blood from flowing back to the testicles. When these one-way valves malfunction, the reverse flow of blood causes the small veins around the testicle to stretch and form tangles.
Symptoms of Varicoceles
Because varicoceles develop over time, there may be no discernable symptoms. Generally varicoceles appear in men between the ages of 15 and 25, although an older man may experience them as a result of a kidney tumor, which can block the flow of blood to a vein.
When symptoms are noticeable, they usually include visible, enlarged or twisted veins in the scrotum, infertility problems due to an increase in temperature of the testicles that affects sperm production, and/or a testicular lump, swelling or a bulge in the scrotum.