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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Your spermatic cord carries blood to and from your testicles. It's not certain what causes varicoceles, but many experts believe a varicocele forms when the valves inside the veins in the cord prevent your blood from flowing properly. The resulting backup causes the veins to widen (dilate).
Varicocele often forms during puberty. Varicoceles usually occur on the left side, most likely because of the position of the left testicular vein. However, a varicocele in one testicle can affect sperm production in both testicles.
- Varicoceles. American Urological Association. http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=11&topic=510. Accessed Oct. 6, 2009.
- Richardson I, et al. Outcomes of varicocelectomy treatment: An updated critical analysis. Urological Clinics of North America. 2008;35:191.
- Patient fact sheet: Varicocele. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/Varicocele.pdf. Accessed Oct. 6, 2009.
- Report on varicocele and infertility. American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/varicoceleinfertility.pdf. Accessed Oct. 6. 2009.
- Khera M, et al. Evolving approach to the varicocele. Urological Clinics of North America. 2008;35:183.
