Varicocele

Varicose veins surrounding a testis. Varicocele is a common condition. It almost exclusively affects the left testis and is usually harmless, although there may be aching in the scrotum or an abnormally low sperm count (see infertility). Aching may be relieved by supportive underwear. Surgery to divide and tie off the swollen veins may be performed if the sperm count is low.