Symptoms

A varicocele often produces no signs or symptoms. Rarely, it might cause pain. The pain may:

• Vary from sharp to dull discomfort
• Increase with standing or physical exertion, especially over long periods
• Worsen over the course of a day
• Be relieved when you lie on your back
• Impaired fertility

With time, varicoceles might enlarge and become more noticeable. A varicocele has been described as looking like a "bag of worms." The condition might cause a swollen testicle, almost always on the left side.

When to see a doctor

Because a varicocele usually causes no symptoms, it often requires no treatment. Varicoceles might be discovered during a fertility evaluation or a routine physical exam.

However, if you experience pain or swelling in your scrotum, discover a mass on your scrotum, notice that your testicles are different sizes, or develop a varicocele in your youth, or you're having problems with fertility, contact your doctor. A number of conditions can cause a scrotal mass or testicular pain, some of which require immediate treatment.