Causes of a Varicocele

Varicocele occurs because there are abnormal valves in the testicular vein that runs from the scrotum to the abdomen. The testicles are attached to a spermatic cord that contain its arteries, veins and nerves that support its function. The testicular vein exits the cord in the pelvis and carries the blood from the testicle back to the heart. When the valves don’t work properly, the blood pools down in the testicle causing them to sag and enlarge. This does not appear overnight, but gradually over time worsening the condition. It is uncertain why these valve stop working properly, possibly genetic or issues during rapid growth during puberty.