Conditions & Treatments Banner

Varicocele

Disease Information

Overview

A varicocele is mass of enlarged and swollen veins in the testicle that essentially feels like a bag of worms.

  • A varicocele is generally neither harmful nor painful.
  • Approximately 15 percent of boys have this condition, which almost always occurs on the left side.
  • A varicocele usually develops at puberty, but can occur earlier.

Surgery or no surgery?

Boston Children's Hospital physicians make a diagnosis based on whether your son is having any pain associated with the varicocele.

  • If your son is experiencing pain, your Children's urologist will recommend a simple, outpatient surgical procedure.
  • If there's no pain, your urologist may recommend nothing more than annual ultrasounds to ensure your son's testicle is growing normally.  However, a current study at Children's is examining which approach is better in adolescents: immediate surgery for the varicocele, or with the option of surgery after a waiting period.

In-Depth  >>

schedule an appointment

Join Us Online

Thriving Blog Youtube

Click thumbnails to play videos

Loading...