Do varicoceles cause complications?

For those who have had long standing varicoceles some complications have been associated with it. However, not all individuals with varicoceles develop these complications. The complications include:

- Small testes. In many men who have varicoceles, it is found that the testis on that side is slightly smaller compared to other side. Why the testicle shrinks is not known but most probably related to the pressure in the veins.

- Infertility. Varicoceles have been associated with infertility. However this is not a universal finding. About 40% of men who have varicoceles are infertile. However, reversal or treatment of the varicocele does not always result in return of infertility. It is thought that the high temperature from the increased blood affects sperm production and motility.

Final point- Keep in mind that surgeons in North America tend to hype up the seriousness of varicoceles so that they can operate more and make money. Thousands of men all over the globe have varicoceles, never see a surgeon and live a normal healthy life.