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1 in 7 men and teenage boys has this condition

	A varicocele is a soft lump in the testicle caused by swollen veins. Turn to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to determine whether or not to get treatment for this common condition.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org for information on the range of treatments available for varicocele.

We've brought together the best research about varicocele and weighed the evidence about how to treat it. You can use our information to talk with your doctor and decide which treatments are best for you.

Key points about varicocele

• A varicocele is a soft lump in the testicles caused by swollen veins.
• A varicocele almost always occurs in the left testicle.
• Varicocele is very similar to varicose veins. Varicose veins occur in the legs when you are older; a varicocele occurs in the testicle when you are a young man or teenager.
• Some men with a varicocele have trouble fathering children. But we’re not sure whether varicoceles cause fertility problems.
• A varicocele is not cancerous. However, if you feel a lump in your testicle, consult a doctor to be sure it is a varicocele, and not testicular cancer.

If your varicocele is not affecting the quality of your sperm, you may not need treatment. If you do require treatment, you can either have an operation to tie off the veins or block the veins (embolization), or an injection to seal off the veins (sclerotherapy).

We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about a varicocele. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments, if any, are best for you.