Varicocele – Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies

Introduction

Varicocele is a condition that affects about 10%-20% of adult men with higher frequency in younger individuals¹. It is a condition affecting the scrotum, which is a protective sac covering the testicles (part of male reproductive system). Sometimes, the veins in the scrotum get enlarged and twisted (just like varicose veins in the legs) causing varicocele.  

Varicocele may not have any symptoms in many cases. However, some men may experience certain effects such as infertility and scrotum deformation due to persistent and untreated varicocele. Only a trained medical professional will be able to diagnose and treat varicocele. Therefore, if you suspect having a varicocele, it’s important to speak with your doctor immediately. Along with medical therapy, there are home-care measures also that can be followed to ease your discomfort and decrease the risk of varicocele getting worse. Scroll on to learn more about these options.   

What Causes Varicocele?

Varicocele has a simple root cause, just like varicose veins. The oxygen-rich blood gets pumped to all parts of the body through the arteries. After reaching all parts of the body, the oxygen is depleted, and this blood needs to return to the heart through your veins. The veins have one-way valves in them so that blood can only move back towards the heart. However, due to age, damage, or other medical conditions these valves may become weak or stop working correctly. This leads to blood flowing back into the veins instead of getting pushed towards the heart. The excess blood collecting within these blood vessels of the scrotum leads to the veins becoming larger and twisted. In many men, a varicocele may not show any symptoms of enlarged veins but in severe cases, it can be seen visibly².  

Varicocele is usually categorized according to how severe the condition is³: 

• Grade 0: Varicocele is present but can only be detected through an ultrasound test 
• Grade 1: Varicocele cannot be seen but can be detected through physical examination by a doctor when you perform the ‘bearing down’ action/Valsalva manoeuvre (bending down as if to have a bowel movement) 
• Grade 2: Varicocele cannot be seen but can be detected through physical examination even without the bearing down test 
• Grade 3: Varicocele can be seen easily  

Varicocele might be a cause for low sperm count, and poor motility, and may lead to an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm, obtain an ultrasound to get an early diagnosis.

Dr Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Symptoms of Varicocele

A lot of men may not even be aware that they have varicocele since it often does not have any noticeable symptoms or effects on their health. Many men only discover varicocele when their doctors are trying to find the cause of infertility or during routine physical examinations. In severe cases, it can have symptoms and will require medical attention. These signs may include^2,4: 

• Pain, aching, discomfort, or feeling on heaviness in the scrotum area 
• Pain that gets worse when you stand or sit for long periods 
• Enlarged veins on the left side of the scrotum  
• A small mass or lump above the left testicle (bag of worm appearance) 

The most common complication of varicocele is infertility (inability to have a child after 1 year of trying). Also, testosterone levels and sperm quality and quantity may be seen on testing in some cases². But note that not all men with varicocele will experience infertility. You may or may not have these depending on your condition.  

There are no effective medical treatments. If a varicocele is causing pain or discomfort, the use of analgesics and scrotal support can be used initially. When a varicocele is treated surgically, it is usually an outpatient procedure.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Home Remedies for Varicocele

It is important to consult a doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of varicocele. You may also discuss with your healthcare provider about trying these home remedies

1. Exercises

Since varicocele is linked to blood circulation, any mild exercise that can improve blood flow will be beneficial for this condition. Regular walks, jogging, and swimming are great for strengthening your leg muscles and supporting your blood vessels. However, certain forms of exercise such as cycling, jumping, squats, and weight lifting may worsen your condition and put a strain on the blood vessels in the scrotum. These exercises should be limited or avoided. 

2. Ice Pack

A cold compress or ice pack can be applied to the scrotum region to ease swelling, pain and discomfort, especially after a tiring workout. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, always wrap it in a cloth. 

3. Use a Jockstrap

A jockstrap is a type of male underwear that provides extra support to the scrotum. It is often used when playing a variety of sports. You can also use a jockstrap during your regular routine to provide additional support if your job requires you to stand for long periods⁵. 

4. Avoid Tight Underwear

Tight underwear can put unnecessary strain on your scrotum and increase the pressure on your veins. This may worsen your varicocele. 

5. Get Rest

Laying flat on your back can ease the pressure on the veins in your legs and scrotum. This may bring temporary relief from symptoms of pain and discomfort. If possible, try to keep your legs slightly raised when you lay. 

6. Add Fibre

A fibre-rich diet will ensure that your food is digested smoothly and that you do not need to strain when passing stools. If you strain too much during bowel movements, you end up adding to the pressure in your scrotum region. Any healthy food that supports smoother movements should be added to your diet, such as leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains⁶.  

7. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important for fighting free radicals and dealing with damage to your cells caused by oxidative stress. Consuming vitamins with antioxidant properties -in diet or as supplements may lead to better overall health which can be helpful when you have a varicocele as well. However, always consult a doctor before taking supplements⁷. 

8. Avoid Junk Food

Oily, fatty, sugary foods and beverages can interfere with smooth digestion and cause constipation. These items may also increase your blood pressure, which could make your varicocele worse⁶. 

9. Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises involve the pelvic floor muscles, where you contract and relax these muscles regularly. Kegel exercises have benefits for incontinence and other issues and may support better blood flow in the scrotum. 

10. Pain Medicine

Sometimes the pain may be too much to bear, for these cases, you should speak with your doctor regarding the best painkiller medication for you. 

While these supportive measures may help deal with varicocele symptoms and avoid its progression, more research is needed to prove the actual benefits of these in varicocele. Therefore, these must always be considered after medical advice. You doctor can guide you best what is more suitable to you based on your needs and general health conditions. 

If you suspect that you have symptoms and signs of varicocele, get examined by a physician since untreated varicocele may cause testicular failure, lower hormonal production and shrinking of the testes.

Dr Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

When to Seek Professional Help for Varicocele?

Varicocele will require medical attention whenever you notice symptoms, whether mild or severe. You may need to change your routine (such as less strenuous exercises) or even undergo surgery if your condition is acute. Here are some signs that you need to consult a doctor immediately: 

• Pain or aching in the scrotum that does not get better or gets worse with time 
• Visibly enlarged veins on the left side of the scrotum  
• Enlarged veins on the right side may be an indication of even more serious issues 
• Unequal growth of testicles on both sides  
• Infertility 

Depending on your condition, your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatments or surgery. Surgeries may include laser, laparoscopic, or open techniques to remove or tie up the affected vein⁸. 

Conclusion

Varicocele is not something that you need to worry about, even if your varicocele is at one of the more severe grades. There are several techniques and medical options to manage  this condition effectively. In many cases, your doctor may only recommend waiting and observing the varicocele rather than opting for surgery, especially if it does not have any symptoms. Speak with your doctor if you suspect a varicocele for a proper diagnosis and the right treatment plan for you.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Kim DK, Kim DS, Kam SC, Lee HS, Lee WK, Song SH, Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology Clinical Practice Guideline Committee. Recent Guidelines and Perspectives for Varicocele: A Clinical Consensus and Recommendations from the Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology. World J Mens Health. 2025 Feb;43:e13. https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534/wjmh.240290 
2. Leslie SW, Sajjad H, Siref LE. Varicocele. [Updated 2023 Nov 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448113/ 
3. Arafa, M., Elbardisi, H. (2019). Varicocele Clinical Diagnosis and Grading. In: Esteves, S., Cho, CL., Majzoub, A., Agarwal, A. (eds) Varicocele and Male Infertility. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-79102-9_10 
4. Baigorri BF, Dixon RG. Varicocele: A Review. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2016;33(3):170-176. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5005088/ 
5. Varicocele: Medline Plus (Internet) https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001284.htm 
6. Marini HR, Micali A, Puzzolo D, Minutoli L, Antonuccio P. Varicocele, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: From Mechanisms of Action in Animal Models to Therapeutic Application. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(24):16118. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9784674/ 
7. Tsampoukas G, Gkeka K, Dellis A, et al. Vitamins as primary or adjunctive treatment in infertile men with varicocele: A systematic review. Arab J Urol. 2021;19(3):264-273. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8451598/#:~:text=Vitamins%20have%20been%20used%20mostly,the%20target%20of%20future%20research. 
8. Franco A, Proietti F, Palombi V, Savarese G, Guidotti M, Leonardo C, Ferro F, Manna C, Franco G. Varicocele: To Treat or Not to Treat? Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 12(12):4062. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/12/4062 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

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