[Medical Q&A] Can varicocele be detected through self-examination?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Zhuang Jintao, deputy chief physician, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University

Varicocele is a disease in which the internal spermatic vein becomes abnormally elongated, dilated and tortuous due to blood reflux obstruction or blood reflux. It is an important cause of male infertility and can be preliminarily diagnosed through self-examination to a certain extent.

Men should do self-examination in a warm and relaxed state. They can stand and gently touch the scrotum and the area above it with their fingers. If they touch a bunch of blood vessels that are soft like earthworms, especially on the left side, it may be varicocele (most varicocele occurs on the left side). When touching, you can compare the left and right sides. If the blood vessels on one side are obviously thickened and the temperature rises, it may indicate varicocele. Men can also observe in front of a mirror. If the scrotum on one side of the body is lower than the other side, and you can see that the scrotum on the lower side has enlarged and thickened blood vessels at the groin connection, it may also indicate varicocele. In addition, when men suffer from varicocele, they usually have some uncomfortable symptoms, such as persistent heaviness or swelling in the scrotum, especially after standing for a long time or physical labor. It should be noted that self-examination can only help men preliminarily determine the possibility of varicocele. To confirm the diagnosis, they need to see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo professional physical examinations and auxiliary examinations (such as color Doppler ultrasound examinations, etc.). Because varicocele is likely to affect male fertility, early detection and treatment are particularly important.