1. VARICOCELE BASICS

What is Varicocele? 
​Don't make it too complicated; Varicocele is swollen testicle veins. It is similar to varicose veins in the legs.

Is It Dangerous? 
Well, typical symptoms of varicocele include: Infertility, impaired testosterone, testicular shrinkage, aching/pain, enlarged prostate, and scrotal sagging. So, it should definitely be treated as a serious condition

What Causes Varicocele? 
Varicocele occurs when blood the blood leaving the testicles does not drain properly. There are many anatomical and lifestyle risk factors for varicocele. Many of these are controllable. ​​

What Grade is My Varicocele? 
Typically your doctor tells you, or it's is written in your medical report, but here is the most commonly used grading method in the US:

• Subclinical: Cannot be seen or felt, but some swelling and reflux are detected with ultrasound
• Grade 1: Varicocele can be felt during exertion
• Grade 2: Varicocele can be felt without exertion
• Grade 3: Varicocele can be seen visually through the skin as a "bag of worms"

There is some correlation between varicocele grade and symptom severity, but this is Not always the case. Even lower grade (subclinical or grade 1) varicoceles can have severe symptoms.

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