How common are varicoceles?
Varicoceles are fairly common.
About 1 in 7 men and teenage boys get varicoceles.1
They seem to be even more common among men who have sperm problems. One study found that about one-quarter of men with sperm problems (such as abnormally shaped sperm) had a varicocele.2
Sources for the information on this page:
- Evers JL, Collins JA. Surgery or embolisation for varicocele in subfertile men (Cochrane review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2004. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
- World Health Organization. The influence of varicocele on parameters of fertility in a large group of men presenting to infertility clinics. Fertility and Sterility. 1992; 57: 1289-1293. 1601152
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice.
Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
