Varicocele Diagnosis and Grading

The standard way to diagnose varicoceles is by physical examination. Depending on grade, the patient may be standing, laying down or performing the Valsalva maneuver. Palpation of the scrotum by a trained physician can detect varicocele.

Subclinical	Ultrasound analysis but not physical exam detects presence of varicocele.
Grade 1	The varicocele is only palpable during or after Valsalva maneuver.
Grade 2	The varicocele is palpable without Valsava maneuver.
Grade 3	The varicocele is normally visible through skin to the eyes (seen as a “bag of worms”).