Urology Conditions

Varicocele

Overview

Varicoceles are abnormally dilated testicular veins of the pampiniform plexus in the scrotum, which result in abnormal reflux of venous blood in the internal spermatic veins. Much like varicose veins of the legs or hemorrhoids, varicoceles represent an failure of the veins serving an organ. Varicoceles are more common on the left side, most likely due to the longer length of the testicular vein on that side as well as its right angle insertion into the renal vein.