Varicoceles are pretty common
“This happens because there is more blood around the testicle because the veins are dilated and distended, and the flow of the blood is coming from above in the abdomen, where the blood is warmer,” Professor Ramsay said.
“Testicles are in the scrotum because they like around 3°C below core temperature. But varicoceles warm the testicles and in so doing, causes oxidative stress.”
Oxidative stress can see certain harmful chemicals mix with seminal fluid and reduce sperm quality.
Professor Ramsay concluded by saying varicoceles could well ‘disturb some of the other functions of the testicles’.
Treatment should see functions return to normal levels, though.
